Chargers training camp: Edge rushers shine during weekend practices

The Chargers continued their training camp this weekend ahead of their first preseason game this Thursday, during which the edge-rushing unit raised eyebrows.

On Saturday, the starting duo looked fully in midseason form during 11-on-11 team sessions.

Khalil Mack opened the first-team period by immediately blowing up a double-team blocking effort and blowing past the offensive line to secure a tackle for loss.

Tuli Tuipulotu mirrored Mack's dominance on the very next snap, securing his own tackle for loss. He capped off the sequence by breaking into the backfield for a would-be sack on quarterback Justin Herbert.

Later on, Mack and Tuipulotu got into the backfield for a split-sack.

During Sunday’s two-hour fully padded practice, the focus shifted toward the young edge rushers, who stole the show.

Akheem Mesidor, the 2026 first-round pick, put on a clinic in 1-on-1 drills. He used a spin move to beat right tackle Joe Alt, repeated the victory against Logan Taylor, and blew past Travis Burke with pure speed off the edge. Mesidor also teamed up with interior defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe for a split-sack during full-team drills.

Nadame Tucker, the undrafted rookie free agent, has been a riser since the pads came on. Tucker won his final two 1-on-1 reps of the day, drawing what would have been a holding penalty on the second, and registered both a run stop and a sack against the reserve offense.

Kyle Kennard, the team's 2025 fourth-round pick, also put together what was considered his best day of camp. Kennard disrupted the pocket during 1-on-1s using an inside counter. He later translated that effort into full-team drills, fighting through the whistle to log a crucial run stop against the starting offense.

The consecutive days of dominance showcase a deep, balanced pass-rush rotation for defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. The veteran star power at the top, combined with the young and polarizing depth, indicates this position will be a force to be reckoned with during the regular season.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers training camp: Edge rushers shine during weekend practices

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →