Eric Smith
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Husband, #GirlDad x2, dog dad. @chargers Editorial Director. Formerly w/ @vikings. Proud @Cronkite_ASU alum. "Decide what to be and go be it."
Articles by Eric Smith
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are road underdogs ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Ravens. The Bolts hit the road for a Monday Night Football battle in Baltimore, with kickoff scheduled for 5:15 p.m. (PT). The Ravens enter the game favored over the Chargers by the Vegas books as of Monday morning. The Bolts are 5-point underdogs according to BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook. They are also 5.5-point underdogs according to FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook and Bet365.
3 biggest Charlotte Hornets storylines amid Celtics matchup
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John Carney Reflects on Special Journey to Chargers Hall of Fame
John Carney's NFL journey will come full circle Sunday afternoon when he officially gets inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame. Carney, who spent more than a decade of his 23-year career with the Bolts, recently reflected on the honor. "I felt very blessed that my time at the Chargers is being acknowledged in a favorable way," Carney said. "I feel so fortunate to be with so many amazing players and amazing men that are in the Chargers Hall of Fame," Carney added.
Revelyst Acquires Optimum Golf Technologies Original
Revelyst Acquires Optimum Golf Technologies CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Revelyst, a collective of world-class maker brands that design and manufacture sports technology and outdoor gear, today announced the acquisition of Optimum Golf Technologies (Optimum), a leading European distributor of golf technology products and a key distribution partner for Revelyst’s Foresight Sports and Bushnell Golf brands. The acquisition closed on Oct. 23. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Hornets look lost without LaMelo Ball
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5 Takeaways: Harbaugh on Njoku's "Likely" Return, Chargers Trade Deadline Approach
The Chargers are 0-7 ahead of a Week 9 home date with the Houston Texans. Here are five takeaways from Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's Monday press conference: 1. Trade deadline looms The Chargers fell 24-9 to the Rams on Sunday as they dropped to 0-7 on the season. With Week 9 on the horizon, what message is Harbaugh conveying to his team? "Honesty. That's what I've found to be the best motivator," Harbaugh said. He later praised his players for their focus and approach through a tough season.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are home underdogs ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Texans. The Bolts return to SoFi Stadium as the home team against the Texans, with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 p.m. (PT). The Texans enter the game favored over the Chargers by the Vegas books as of Monday morning. The Bolts are 4.5-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook and Bet365. They are also 5-point underdogs according to BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 9
The Chargers are 0-7 this season. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 9. 1. What happened in Week 8? The Chargers once again found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Now, seven games into the 2026 season, the Bolts are 0-7 and remain the NFL's only winless team. The Chargers lost 24-9 on Sunday against the Rams in a game they lead early, but a rough end to the first half bled over into a disappointing second-half effort.
5 Takeaways: Offense Falters Again as Chargers Remain Winless
The Chargers are now 0-7 after a 24-9 road loss to the Rams on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the Bolts in Week 8: 1. Chargers fall to 0-7 The Chargers still haven't found the win column so far this season. The "unfortunate truth," Justin Herbert said Sunday, is that the Bolts are now 0-7 and remain the only winless team in the NFL. Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh on Sunday tried to sum up the first two months of the season.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have announced their inactive players for Week 8 against the Rams. Both Donte Jackson (hamstring) and Rodney Shelley (hamstring), who were listed as questionable coming into the game, are inactive. Derwin James, Jr. (hamstring) was listed as questionable but was placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday. The Bolts have three players who were ruled out Friday, including Kayode Awosika (fibula), Deane Leonard (concussion) and Brenen Thompson (quadricep/hamstring). They are all inactive.
5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Rams in Week 8
The Chargers are ready for a crosstown battle with the Rams. The Chargers and Rams play Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. (PT), with the Bolts set to be the road team. The Chargers-Rams betting line shows the Bolts are Week 8 underdogs. Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 8. 1. Back from the bye By the time kickoff arrives Sunday, the calendar will have flipped to November. The Chargers, who sit at 0-6, are still looking for their first win of the 2026 season.
How Mike McDaniel & Justin Herbert Collaborated on Chargers Offense During Bye Week
The Chargers didn't play a game last weekend, but that didn't mean it was a week off for the Bolts. There was plenty of focus and an internal deep dive into what has led to the 0-6 start, particularly on offense. "There wasn't really necessarily as much of a bye week because there were some problems to solve," Chargers Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel said Thursday.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have released their first injury report ahead of Week 8 against the Rams. The Bolts had five players who did not practice Wednesday, including Derwin James (hamstring), Kayode Awosika (fibula), Deane Leonard (concussion) and Brenen Thompson (quad/hamstring). Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier Wednesday that James had a setback in his rehab and could potentially go on Injured Reserve. Khalil Mack took his usual veteran rest day on Wednesday.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
Welcome back to the Chargers Mailbag! We'll run a Mailbag each week during the regular season. Send in submissions for the Mailbag on Twitter @EricLSmith or by email at eric.smith@chargers.nfl.com. Off we go... It's clear that the team needs to make some changes. What changes can we expect to see this coming Sunday? (Anna via Twitter) We'll start with this question from Anna, which primarily should pertain to the offense.
A Look at Chargers Odds for 2027 NFL Draft Picks
The Chargers currently hold seven picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, including their own first-round selection. As of October 27, the Chargers are projected to hold the No. 2 overall pick, according to The Athletic, whose projection model gives Los Angeles a 91-percent chance of landing a top-10 selection. Here is a pick-by-pick breakdown of the Chargers Round 1 odds in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to The Athletic.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are road underdogs ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Rams. The Bolts are back from their bye week as the road team, with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 p.m. (PT). The Rams enter the game favored over the Chargers by the Vegas books as of Monday morning. The Bolts are 6.5-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook and Bet365. They are also 7-point underdogs according to FanDuel Sportsbook and BetMGM.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 8
The Chargers are 0-6 so far in 2026. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 8. 1. What happened in Week 7? The Chargers did not play as they were on their bye week. The Bolts practiced twice last week and will get back to work Monday with another practice at The Bolt. The Chargers entered their bye week at 0-6 and are now the NFL's lone team without a win after the Dolphins defeated the Jets on Sunday. 2. Can you sum up the season so far? It's been frustrating to say the least.
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What We've Learned About the Chargers at the Bye Week
The Chargers have reached their Week 7 bye and have yet to record a win this season. "0-6 gives nobody comfort," Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week. The Bolts will be back in action at SoFi Stadium in Week 8 as the road team against the Rams. Until then, here are five things we've learned about the Bolts at the bye: 1.
Bolts to Host Super Chargers Block Party in Oceanside
The Bolts are celebrating a fan favorite era with a Super Chargers Block Party in Oceanside on November 4. The block party, which will be held at Finney's, will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. Tickets for the event can be found here. A trio of popular Chargers alumni — Eric Weddle, Donnie Edwards and Jaleel Addae — will also be in attendance.
Assessing the Chargers at the Bye Week
Welcome back to the Chargers Mailbag! We'll run a Mailbag each week during the regular season. Send in submissions for the Mailbag on Twitter @EricLSmith or by email at eric.smith@chargers.nfl.com. Off we go... How do you explain the 0-6 start to the season? (Josh via email) I think it's safe to say that nobody saw this coming from the Chargers.
Hornets have a Ryan Kalkbrenner problem — Hannes Steinbach is the solution
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How Jim Harbaugh is Diving Into 'Ongoing' Evaluation of Chargers Offense During Bye Week
The Chargers have reached their bye week at 0-6, a record that certainly didn't seem fathomable before the season began. But after Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City, Jim Harbaugh's team has dropped each of their first six games in 2026. What will the Bolts focus on during the bye week? "0-6 does not give the privilege to rule out anything at this point," Harbaugh said.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 7
The Chargers are 0-6 after 22-6 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 7. 1. What happened in Week 6? The Chargers dropped to 0-6 with a 22-6 loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bolts, now winless in their first six games of the 2026 season, trailed early and couldn't rally as they never led against their AFC West rival. Defensively, the Chargers more then held their own against a high-octane offense.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are now 0-6 after a 22-6 road loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the Bolts in Week 6: 1. Chargers drop to 0-6 The Chargers can't get out of their own way. As a result, more than a third of the way through the 2026 season, the Bolts are still looking for a win. "Obviously 0-6 going into the bye, I did not think I would be up here addressing that question," Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said postgame. "I truly believed and was confident we'd win this game.
Game Recap: Chargers Fall to Chiefs in Week 6 Road Game
The Chargers are 0-6 following a 22-6 road loss to the Chiefs. Here's a game recap from Week 6. Down by double digits to open the second half, the Chargers offense hit their longest play of the season for 57 yards to get to the 1-yard line. With Justin Herbert hitting Quentin Johnston on a rare explosive play, the Bolts felt like they were coming to life a bit.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have announced their inactive players for Week 6 against the Chiefs. Of six players who were listed as questionable to play, five of them — Daiyan Henley (knee), Jamaree Caldwell (knee), KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring), Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring) and Brenen Thompson (quad) — are active. Bud Dupree (neck) is inactive along with Rodney Shelley (hamstring), who was doubtful to play. Lambert-Smith was activated off Injured Reserve on Saturday.
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Today is Saturday, Oct. 31, the 304th day of 2026. There are 61 days left in the…
5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Chiefs in Week 6
The Chargers are back on the road in Week 6. The Chargers and Chiefs play Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. (PT). The Chargers-Chiefs betting line shows the Bolts are Week 6 underdogs. Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 6. 1. Get one before the bye Let's put this as plainly as we can. The Chargers have one game left before their bye week but are somehow still looking for their first win of the season.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com Original
The Chargers have released their first injury report for Week 6 against the Chiefs. The Bolts had six players who did not practice on Wednesday, a group that included Joe Alt (neck), Derwin James (hamstring), Donte Jackson (hamstring) and Kayode Awosika (fibula). Khalil Mack took his usual veteran rest day on Wednesday while Tre' Harris (hamstring) also did not practice.
A Chargers-Chiefs Preview Ahead of Week 6
Welcome back to the Chargers Mailbag! We'll run a Mailbag each week during the regular season. Send in submissions for the Mailbag on Twitter @EricLSmith or by email at eric.smith@chargers.nfl.com. Off we go... OK, so we are 0-5, not ideal. However, we play Chiefs this weekend. I would love nothing more than beating the Chiefs in KC. Am I the only one or has team morale been lost at this point? (Anthony via Twitter) I can assure you that team morale has not been lost.
Chargers Announce Inaugural NFHS Referee "Crew of the Month"
The Chargers have announced the inaugural National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) referee "Crew of the Month" as part of a new initiative the NFL has rolled out this season. The "Crew of the Month" is a league-wide program involving all 32 NFL clubs that recognizes high school football officiating crews who demonstrate honesty, objectivity, commitment, and dedication to interscholastic athletics.
5 Takeaways: Why Jim Harbaugh is 'Hellbent' on Turning Around Chargers 0-5 Start
The Chargers are 0-5 as they get ready for a Week 6 road date with the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are five takeaways from Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's Monday press conference: 1. Keep fighting Jim Harbaugh's team doesn't have a win yet this season. But the Chargers Head Coach said Monday that he is "hellbent on turning it around" with a dozen games left on the schedule. With the Bolts off to their worst start since 2003, Harbaugh noted that he and others are focused on the task at hand.
What You Need to Know About the Chargers Ahead of 2026 NFL Trade Deadline
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is less than a month away. Here's what you need to know about this year's trade deadline: When is the 2026 NFL trade deadline? The trade deadline is on November 10 at 1 p.m. (PT). While teams can certainly make a trade before then, all trades must be submitted to the league by 1 p.m. (PT) on that day. Is the trade deadline normally then? Around there, yes. The 2025 NFL trade deadline was on November 4, but the key date is now usually after Week 9.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are road underdogs ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Chiefs. The Bolts have one more game before their bye week against another AFC West rival, with kickoff scheduled for 1:25 p.m. (PT). The Chiefs enter the game favored over the Chargers by the Vegas books as of Monday morning. The Bolts are 8-point underdogs according to Caesars Sportsbook, while they are 8.5-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook and Bet365.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 6
The Chargers are 0-5 after a Week 5 loss to the Broncos. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 6. 1. What happened in Week 5? The Chargers appeared on the doorstep of their first win of the 2026 season before things fell apart in the fourth quarter. Down 10-3 at the half, the Bolts scored a pair of touchdowns to build a seven-point lead late in the third quarter.
5 Takeaways: Harbaugh Takes Accountability After Chargers 0-5 Start
The Chargers are now 0-5 after a 23-17 home loss to the Broncos on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the Bolts in Week 5: 1. Chargers still winless The Chargers have now started the season with five consecutive losses. But this one felt like it was the most winnable of them all. "We wanted to get a win, especially against a division opponent, regardless or how it comes," Tony Jefferson said. "We really wanted that one." The Bolts certainly had their chances Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
Game Recap: Chargers Falter Late in Week 5 Loss to Broncos
The Chargers are 0-5 after a 23-17 loss to the Broncos on Sunday. Here's a game recap from Week 5. The Chargers melted down in the fourth quarter Sunday. And now Jim Harbaugh's team sits at 0-5 through five games in 2026. After a dazzling third quarter, the Chargers held a 17-10 lead entering the final frame. Denver, however, took advantage of a failed fourth-down try early in the fourth quarter by the Chargers and marched 41 yards for the game-tying score.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have announced their inactive players for Week 5 against the Broncos. Ladd McConkey (foot) will play after being listed as questionable. Branson Taylor (shoulder), Scott Matlock (foot) and Charlie Kolar (forearm) are active after each being listed as questionable. Rodney Shelley (hamstring) is inactive after being listed as questionable. The Bolts had six players who were ruled out Friday, a group that includes Joe Alt (neck), Derwin James (hamstring) and Donte Jackson (hamstring).
5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Broncos in Week 5
The Chargers are set for an AFC West clash against the Broncos in Week 5. The Chargers and Broncos play Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. (PT). The Chargers-Broncos betting line shows the Bolts are slight Week 5 underdogs. Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 5. 1. Hosting the Broncos Perhaps the fifth time will be the charm for the Chargers. The Bolts currently sit at 0-4 ahead of Sunday's showdown with the Broncos, who are 2-2 so far this season.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have released their first injury report ahead of Week 5 against the Broncos. The Bolts had eight players who did not practice Wednesday, a group that includes Rashawn Slater (ankle), Joe Alt (neck), Derwin James (hamstring) and Donte Jackson (hamstring). Khalil Mack took his usual veteran rest day while Ladd McConkey (foot), Trevor Penning (concussion) and Kayode Awosika (fibula) also did not practice.
A Chargers-Broncos Preview Ahead of Week 5 at SoFi Stadium
Welcome back to the Chargers Mailbag! We'll run a Mailbag each week during the regular season. Send in submissions for the Mailbag on Twitter @EricLSmith or by email at eric.smith@chargers.nfl.com. Off we go... At this point, what can the Chargers realistically do to turn this season around? (Joseph via Twitter) Win a game. I don't mean that sarcastically, either.
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5 Takeaways: Injury Updates on Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt & Derwin James
The Chargers are 0-4 as they get ready for a Week 5 date with the Denver Broncos.. Here are five takeaways from Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's Monday press conference: 1. Injury updates on Rashawn Slater & Joe Alt The Chargers lost both of their tackles in Week 4 as Rashawn Slater (ankle) and Joe Alt (neck) each left the game and did not return.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are home underdogs ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Broncos. The Bolts are back home after consecutive road games as they take on an AFC West rival, with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 p.m. (PT). The Broncos enter the game favored over the Chargers by the Vegas books as of Monday morning. The Bolts are 3.5-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook and Bet365.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 5
The Chargers are 0-4 after a Week 4 loss to the Seahawks. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 5. 1. What happened in Week 4? The Chargers put together a second-half rally, but it fell short in a 30-23 loss in Seattle. The Bolts trailed by two touchdowns at halftime and were down 27-6 late in the third quarter, yet Jim Harbaugh's team kept competing and eventually pulled within a touchdown with roughly two minutes to go.
5 Takeaways: Chargers 4th-Quarter Rally Falls Short in Seattle
The Chargers are now 0-4 after a 30-23 road loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the Bolts in Week 4: 1. Harbaugh lauds Chargers fight The Bolts are now roughly a quarter of the way through the 2026 season. And Jim Harbaugh's team is still searching for their first win. But the Bolts made it clear Sunday in Seattle that they aren't going to lay down for anyone, even if they have nothing to show for it in the win column just yet.
Game Recap: Chargers Lose to Seahawks in Week 4 Road Game
The Chargers are 0-4 after a 30-23 loss to Seattle on Sunday. Here's a game recap from Week 4. The fight was there. In fact, the Chargers had a chance to tie — or possibly win — a daunting Week 4 road game in Seattle. But it was mostly a similar script as the week before. The Chargers defense did all it could early on, but early mistakes by in the other two phases led to another loss for the Bolts. The Chargers, who began the season with playoff aspirations, are now 0-4.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have announced their inactive players for Week 4 against the Seahawks. Derwin James (hamstring) will not play after being listed as questionable on Friday. Ladd McConkey (foot) will play after being listed as questionable. Elijah Molden (hamstring), Trey Lance (groin) and Donte Jackson (concussion) also will play after being listed as questionable.
5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Seahawks in Week 4
The Bolts are back on the road in Week 4. The Chargers and Seahawks play Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. (PT). The Chargers-Seahawks betting line shows the Bolts are Week 4 underdogs. 1. Get the 1st one The calendar has flipped to October, and the Chargers are still searching for their first win of the 2026 season. As the Bolts get ready for a Week 4 date against the Seahawks, they believe that is on the way.
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