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
A Chargers-Bills Preview Ahead of Week 3 in Buffalo
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 big of a sense of urgency do you anticipate from the Chargers as they go to Buffalo? (Ed via Twitter) Probably about as high as it gets. I'm a firm believer that one game doesn't define an NFL season. And two games also don't tell the full story of who a team is.
Charlie Kolar & David Njoku Headed to Injured Reserve; Awosika & Tomlinson To "Miss Some Time" With Injuries
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh provided a handful of injury updates on Monday at The Bolt. Tight ends Charlie Kolar and David Njoku are both going on Injured Reserve after each suffered injuries in Sunday's game against the Raiders. Harbaugh said Njoku suffered a fibula injury and that Kolar has a forearm injury. Kolar and Njoku must each now miss a minimum of four games, and their injuries mean Oronde Gadsden will be the lone tight end remaining on the active roster.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are road underdogs ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Bills. The Bolts hit the road for the first time in the 2026 season as they take on the Bills, with kickoff scheduled for 10 a.m. (PT). The Bills enter the game favored over the Chargers by the Vegas books as of Monday morning. The Bolts are 7-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM and Bet365.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 3
The Chargers are in an 0-2 hole after a Week 2 loss to the Raiders. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 2. 1. What happened in Week 2? The Chargers lost their second straight home game to start the 2026 season. A week after losing to the Cardinals, the Bolts came up short Sunday against the Raiders — with both games ending with a 26-14 score. The Chargers trailed at halftime before taking a third-quarter lead on 10-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Oronde Gadsden.
5 Takeaways: Chargers Vow to be Better After 0-2 Start
The Chargers are now 0-2 after a 26-14 home loss to the Raiders on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the Bolts in Week 2: 1. Searching for answers The Chargers just look ... off. And two games into the 2026 season, the Bolts have now dropped both contests to drop into an 0-2 defecit. "All three phases," Khalil Mack said. "We're doing a lot of things to hurt ourselves. "Pretty much beating ourselves back-to-back weeks," Mack added. "Can't do that in this league in order to have success.
Game Recap: Chargers Drop Week 2 Contest to Raiders
The Chargers dropped a Week 2 game to the Raiders on Sunday, falling 26-14 at home. Here's a game recap from Week 2. The Bolts have put themselves in a hole to start the 2026 season. Down by three at the half, the Chargers showed plenty of life coming out of the break by forcing a punt and then putting together a touchdown drive. The Chargers went 74 yards in seven plays before Justin Herbert found Oronde Gadsden for a 10-yard touchdown pass to put the Bolts up 17-14.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have announced their inactive players for Week 2 against the Raiders. Ladd McConkey (rib) is active after being listed as questionable to play. Deane Leonard (abdomen) will not play after being listed as questionable. Elijah Molden (hamstring) and Trey Pipkins III (knee) did not practice all week and were ruled out Friday. The other inactives for Week 1 are Isas Waxter, Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey. The Chargers and Raiders play Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. (PT).
5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Raiders in Week 2
Week 2 has arrived. The Chargers and Raiders play Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. (PT). The Chargers-Raiders betting line shows the Bolts are Week 2 favorites. Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 2. 1. Ready for the Raiders There was a common refrain in the Chargers locker room this week. Don't let one loss turn into two. That's the approach the Chargers have taken as they flush Week 1's loss to Arizona and get ready for a Week 2 date with the Raiders.
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Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have released their first Injury Report for Week 2 against the Raiders. Ladd McConkey (rib) was one of five players who did not practice Wednesday, a group that also included Elijah Molden (hamstring), Teair Tart (ankle) and Trey Pipkins III (knee). Khalil Mack took his usual veteran rest day on Wednesday. Deane Leonard (abdomen) and Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring) were limited while Akheem Mesidor (calf) and Derius Davis (calf) were full participants.
How the Chargers Can Respond in Week 2 Against the Raiders
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... What overall grade do you give the Chargers for their efforts and results in the season opener? Better yet, why that grade? (Ed via Twitter) Hmmm, probably a 'C' or somewhere around that. Look, the final result is all that ever matters in the NFL.
5 Takeaways: Jim Harbaugh Provides Ladd McConkey Injury Update, Turns Page to Week 2
Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers were back to work Monday after a season-opening loss to the Cardinals. Here are five takeaways from Harbaugh's Monday press conference: 1. Plenty to improve on In recent years, Jim Harbaugh has said he believes the biggest jump a player can make in a season is from Week 1 to Week 2. The Chargers Head Coach is certainly banking on that being the case after his team opener the 2026 season with a home loss by double digits on Sunday.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are home favorites ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Raiders. The Bolts are back at home for Week 2 as they open AFC West play against Las Vegas, with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 p.m. (PT). The Chargers enter the game favored over the Raiders by the Vegas books as of Monday morning. The Bolts are 7-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook and Fanatics Sportsbook. They are also 6.5-point favorites according to BetMGM and Bet365.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 2
The Chargers are looking to rebound after a Week 1 loss to the Cardinals. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 2. 1. What happened in Week 1? The Chargers put together an overall flat performance against the Cardinals with a 26-14 home loss at SoFi Stadium. The Bolts offense fired on all cylinders on the opening drive with an eight-play, 77-yard sequence that ended with an 8-yard touchdown run by Omarion Hampton.
5 Takeaways: Chargers Look to Bounce Back After 'Sloppy' Week 1 Loss
The Chargers opened the 2026 season with a 26-14 home loss against the Cardinals on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the Bolts in Week 1: 1. Chargers look to bounce back Welp, that wasn't how the Chargers wanted to open Year 3 of the Jim Harbaugh Era. But after a double-digit home loss to Cardinals, the Bolts now find themselves looking to rebound from an early-season defeat much earlier than anticipated. "Quite a few things," Harbaugh said when asked what went wrong Sunday.
Game Recap: Chargers Fall to Cardinals in 2026 Season Opener
The Chargers began the 2026 season with a 26-14 home loss against the Cardinals. Here's a game recap from the Bolts season opener: The Chargers were in a back-and-forth tilt with Arizona but had gained some momentum early in the fourth quarter. The Bolts, down by two points, had forced a punt and took over at the own 20-yard line with just under 14 minutes to go. But things spiraled for the Chargers from that point on.
Justin Herbert Hits 25,000 Career Passing Yards in Week 1
Justin Herbert has began the 2026 season by hitting an impressive milestone. The Chargers quarterback surpassed 25,000 career passing yards Sunday, becoming the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to hit that mark. Herbert needed 180 yards entering Week 1 to hit the achievement, which he did in the fourth quarter. Herbert accomplished the feat in 95 career games, trailing just Patrick Mahomes (83 games), Matthew Stafford (90 games) and Dan Marino (92 games).
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have announced their inactive players for Week 1 against the Cardinals. Tuli Tuipulotu (hip) will play after being listed as questionable on Friday. Deane Leonard (abdomen) did not practice all week and was already ruled out. The other inactives for Week 1 are RJ Mickens, Logan Taylor, Alex Harkey and Trevor Penning. The Chargers and Cardinals play Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. (PT). The Chargers-Cardinals betting line shows the Bolts are Week 1 favorites.
5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Cardinals in Week 1
Welcome to Week 1. The Chargers host the Cardinals on Sunday in the 2026 season opener, with kickoff slated for 1:25 p.m. (PT) from SoFi Stadium. The Chargers-Cardinals betting line shows the Bolts are the favorites on Sunday. Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 1. 1. Fired up for Week 1 Hello, football. As the Bolts prepare to open the 2026 season against Arizona, there is usual sense of excitement permeating through the organization. "We're ready to play.
More Smooth Sailing for IR-28 Car in IMS Oval Test With Alex Palou
Alex Palou completed the second day of INDYCAR’s IR-28 oval validation test Thursday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, giving engineers another valuable set of data and driver feedback as development continues on the next-generation NTT INDYCAR SERIES car. The test went so well that Palou (photo, top) ended his running 15 minutes early after the team completed every item on its checklist. “Very fun,” Palou said.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
By now, everyone knows about the meeting. It took place in early April between Justin Herbert and Mike McDaniel, one of the first face-to-face meetings between two men who will help shape and define the Chargers 2026 season. According to Herbert, McDaniel arrived with a cutup of a "few hundred plays" detailing "exactly what he wanted to see from the offense." This, of course, was after McDaniel had already watched every single one of Herbert's 3,438 career pass attempts.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have released their first Injury Report of the 2026 season. The Bolts had four players who were limited Wednesday, a group that included Tuli Tuipulotu (hip), Brenen Thompson (hip), Keaton Mitchell (hamstring) and RJ Mickens (ankle). Khalil Mack (rest) and Deane Leonard (abdomen) did not practice. The Chargers and Cardinals play Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. (PT). The Chargers-Cardinals betting line shows the Bolts are Week 1 favorites.
Why Mike McDaniel is Chargers Biggest X Factor in 2026
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 seems like the vibes are high with the Chargers right now. Who's the biggest X factor and what are you most excited about for the 2026 season? (Christian via email) Happy Week 1 to those who celebrate! (Which is probably you if you're reading this Mailbag).
Chargers Announce 2026 Game Themes
The Chargers have announced their 2026 uniform schedule as well as the 10 captains for the upcoming season. And with Week 1 only days away, the Bolts have now revealed their game themes for the 2026 season. GameGame ThemePresenting Partner Week 1 vs. Cardinals Kickoff Week 2 vs. Raiders Puro Chargers Verizon Week 5 vs. Broncos Crucial Catch UCLA Health Week 9 vs. Texans Legends Weekend Mazda Week 11 vs. Jets Salute to Service American Airlines Week 12 vs.
5 Key Chargers Questions Ahead of the 2026 Season
Week 1 has arrived. The Bolts will kick off a new season Sunday at home against the Cardinals, beginning a 17-game journey that will story of the 2026 Chargers. "The fate's in our hands now, as a team, for what happens from here going forward," Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said last week. With that in mind here, are five questions surrounding the Chargers ahead of Week 1. 1. What does Mike McDaniel's offense look like? We'll start with the most obvious one.
5 Things To Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 1
Chargers football is almost back. Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 1. 1. Who are the Chargers playing in Week 1? The Chargers open Year 3 of the Jim Harbaugh Era with a home game against Arizona, a matchup that is a rare NFC opener for the Bolts. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. (PT) from SoFi Stadium. The Chargers are playing a team from the NFC to kick off a season for the first time since 2021, with Sunday's opener being the first at home against an NFC squad since 2015.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers are big home favorites ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Cardinals. The Bolts open the season in Southern California for their first regular-season game of 2026, with kickoff at 1:25 p.m. (PT) from SoFi Stadium. The Chargers enter the game favored over the Cardinals by the Vegas books. The Bolts are 10.5-point favorites according to BetMGM, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook and Bet365.
Why Ian Rapoport Believes 'Hype Around the Chargers is Warranted' Ahead of 2026 Season
Count Ian Rapoport among those who are bullish on what the Chargers could accomplish in 2026. That's likely because the NFL Network analyst came away mesmerized after spending a day at training camp a few weeks ago. "The hype around the Chargers is warranted," Rapoport said.
Chargers Announce 10 Captains for 2026 Season
The Chargers have announced 10 players will be season-long captains in 2026. The group is split up with four offensive players and five from the defense and one on special teams. Here is who will be donning the "C" for the Bolts this season (players listed alphabetically): Still only 23 years old, Joe Alt has developed into a leader on and off the field for the Chargers. Between the white lines, he's one of the NFL's best offensive tackles and should only get better in the coming years, too.
Chargers Announce 2026 Uniform Schedule
The Chargers 2026 regular-season schedule has been out since mid-May. Now we know what uniform combinations the Bolts will wear this season. Without further ado, here is the Chargers uniform schedule for the 2026 season. GameJerseyPants Week 1 vs. Cardinals Powder Blue White Week 2 vs. Raiders Powder Blue Gold Week 3 @ Bills White White Week 4 @ Seahawks White Powder Week 5 vs. Broncos Powder Blue Powder Blue Week 6 @ Chiefs White Gold Week 8 @ Rams White White Week 9 vs.
5 Takeaways: Jim Harbaugh & Joe Hortiz Break Down Chargers Early 53-Man Roster
The Chargers kicked off Week 0 with plenty of activity at The Bolt on Monday. In addition to holding a 90-plus minute practice, the Chargers also announced their initial practice squad. This, of course, comes a day after the Bolts unveiled their initial 53-man roster. Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh spoke at the podium after Monday's practice while Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz chatted with reporters on the record for 10 minutes at the start of practice.
Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com
The Chargers have unveiled their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. There are 26 players on offense, 25 on defense and two specialists among the 53 players. All NFL teams had to get their rosters to 53 players by 3 p.m. (PT) on Sunday. It is worth noting that this initial roster could change, but here's a position-by-position look at who made the initial 53. Note: all players listed alphabetically by last name.
5 Takeaways: Jim Harbaugh, Chargers Turn Focus to 53-Man Roster Deadline After Preseason Play
The Chargers dropped a 20-18 contest to the Rams in their preseason finale. Here are five takeaways from Thursday night: 1. All eyes on 53-man roster deadline The countdown is on to 3 p.m. (PT) on Sunday. That's when all NFL teams must reduce their roster to an initial 53 players after the preseason. And while the Bolts didn't come away victorious Thursday night, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said "some things come to mind" that may alter his thinking over the next few days.
Game Recap: Chargers Fall to Rams in 2026 Preseason Finale
The Chargers wrapped up preseason play with a 20-18 loss against the Rams on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium. Here's a game recap from the Bolts preseason finale: The Chargers starters played two series apiece Thursday night, with each side providing some highlights. The obvious one came on offense when Justin Herbert fired a 65-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston. The Bolts starting offense played four plays but made sure to end the preseason on a high note with that score.
Chargers Host Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative Student
A big part of Austin Hudson's journey towards medical school was his dream to be a team physician. It's what's made the last number of weeks with the Bolts an incredible experience. Hudson, a current student at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, recently spent three weeks with the organization to get an inside look at how things operate behind the scenes.
Chargers Training Camp Report: Takeaways From Final Practice of 2026
The Bolts held their 20th and final practice of Chargers 2026 Training Camp on Tuesday. The session went for 75 minutes and included helmets, shoulder pads and shorts. The Chargers will now prep for Thursday's preseason finale against the Rams before Sunday's 53-man roster cutdown deadline. Here is the Chargers Training Camp Report from Tuesday's practice: 1. That's a wrap! The Bolts began this journey on July 29, a Wednesday that was brimming was excitement.
Chargers Training Camp Report: How Mike McDaniel Views Offense Ahead of 53-Man Roster Cutdown
The Chargers held their penultimate practice of training camp Monday, which was Day 19 of Chargers 2026 Training Camp. Monday's session went for 75 minutes and included helmets, shoulder pads and shorts. The Bolts will practice Tuesday at 10 a.m. at The Bolt in advance of Thursday's preseason finale against the Rams. Here is the Chargers Training Camp Report from Monday's practice: 1.
Chargers Training Camp Report: Mack & Mesidor Lead Defense on Day 18
The Chargers put in a 90-plus minute effort in full pads Sunday on Day 18 of Chargers 2026 Training Camp. The Bolts will now practice Monday and Tuesday at 10 a.m. at The Bolt in advance of Thursday's preseason finale against the Rams. Here is the Chargers Training Camp Report from Sunday's practice: 1.
Chargers Training Camp Report: Where Offensive Line Stands After Tyler Biadasz's Injury
The Chargers were eager to get back work on Saturday, which was Day 17 of Chargers 2026 Training Camp. Especially coming off a tough 41-17 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday night. "The film did not lie," said Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. "We got beat and beat ourselves as a team in all three phases. Good things to work on." The Chargers practiced for 90-minutes Saturday morning at The Bolt in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts.
Artist Robert Vargas Unveils Epic Chargers Mural For 2026 Season
The weather was perfect for the moment. Renowned artist Robert Vargas unveiled an awe-inspiring Chargers mural on Tuesday morning in Torrance to celebrate the start of the Bolts 2026 season. Titled "The Storm Is Coming," Vargas' epic mural on the north side of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel was presented while surrounded by cloudy skies and intermittent rain.
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5 Takeaways: Why Jim Harbaugh Wants Improvement From Chargers After Preseason Loss
The Chargers fell 41-17 to the 49ers in their second preseason tilt of 2026. Here are five takeaways from Thursday night: 1. Plenty to learn from It's not always pretty in the preseason. That was evident Thursday night as the Chargers were soundly defeated by the 49ers in preseason play. "We got outplayed and beat ourselves in all three phases," Harbaugh said.
Why Jake Slaughter is Ready to Potentially be Chargers Starting Center in 2026
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh gave an update on Tyler Biadasz after Thursday's preseason game, saying the veteran center sustained an ACL injury to his left knee during Tuesday's joint practice with the 49ers. Biadasz underwent imaging later Tuesday and is gathering additional opinions, with Harbaugh saying the team will "make a decision if that's a season-ending thing." Biadasz was signed as an offseason free agent to help bolster the interior of the Chargers offensive line.
Game Recap: Chargers Fall to 49ers in Preseason Play
The Chargers continued preseason play with a 41-17 loss against the 49ers on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium. Here's a game recap from the Bolts second preseason game: The Chargers won the toss and elected to receive as Justin Herbert and the offensive starters were up first. But the unit went three-and-out following a run for a loss of a yard, a 9-yard completion to Charlie Kolar and an incomplete pass.
What To Know About Chargers Ahead of 2026 NFL 53-Man Roster Cutdown Deadline
The 2026 deadline for the 53-man roster cutdown is on the horizon. With the preseason concluding next week, all NFL teams must soon trim their roster to 53 players in advance of the 2026 regular season. Here is what you need to know about the NFL's 53-man roster deadline. When is the roster deadline? All teams must reduce their roster to an initial 53 players by 3 p.m. (PT) on Sunday. How many players can a team keep? Teams are required to have 53 players on their active roster.
Chargers Training Camp Report: Takeaways From Joint Practice with 49ers
The intensity ramped up Tuesday morning on Day 16 of Chargers 2026 Training Camp as the Bolts and 49ers held a joint practice. The teams practiced for almost two hours in full pads at The Bolt, with the goal of getting strong work in before Thursday's preseason matchup. "A winning practice. I know we're super excited to have this joint practice with the 49ers," Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday morning. "Got a lot of great situations in ... a lot of good 11-on-11.
Chargers Training Camp Report: Mike McDaniel on Timeline for Left Guard Competition
The Bolts had a light day of practice on Day 14 of Chargers 2026 Training Camp, going for 90-plus minutes with no pads in a jog-through pace. The Chargers will practice at 10 a.m. at The Bolt on Monday before a joint practice with the 49ers on Tuesday. Here is the Chargers Training Camp Report from Monday's practice: 1. McDaniel on left guard battle Mike McDaniel spoke at the podium after Monday's practice and was naturally asked about the status of the Bolts left guard battle.
Chargers Training Camp Report: Young Offensive Linemen Rise to Challenge on Day 14
The Bolts put in a heavy workload Sunday for Day 14 of Chargers 2026 Training Camp. The Chargers practiced in pads for the second straight day at The Bolt, going for 90-plus minutes in front of a packed house. The Chargers will practice at 10 a.m. at The Bolt on Monday before a joint practice with the 49ers on Tuesday. Here is the Chargers Training Camp Report from Sunday's practice: 1.
Chargers Training Camp Report: Molden's INT Caps Off Strong Defensive Showing on Day 13
The Bolts got back to work Saturday by practicing for roughly 90 minutes in full pads on Day 13 of Chargers 2026 Training Camp. The Chargers were off Friday after a 27-7 win in Houston, a game Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was "a very good start" to preseason play. The Chargers will practice at 10 a.m. at The Bolt for the next three days, including a joint practice with the 49ers on Tuesday. Here is the Chargers Training Camp Report from Saturday's practice: 1.
5 Takeaways: How the Chargers Impressed Jim Harbaugh in 1st Preseason Game
The Chargers came away winners on Thursday night after a 27-7 road victory over the Texans. Here are five takeaways from the Bolts first preseason game: 1. Harbaugh thrilled with opener After 12 training camp practices and months of hard work this offseason, it was clear the Bolts were ready for a game on Thursday night. Even if it was a preseason contest.
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