2 days ago
El SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The two Chargers players receiving the most headlines outside of Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel spoke to the media Tuesday afternoon.
Left tackle Rashawn Slater has missed the last four days of practice, while edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu didn't practice at the start of training camp but has fully participated over the last week.
Starting with Slater, he suffered a torn patellar tendon on Aug. 7 during training camp in 2025, which caused him to miss the entire season.
He has been working his way back and participated in every practice until the pads came on in San Diego a week ago. Slater had a "minor flare-up" in his surgically repaired knee when he left practice early in San Diego last week.
While Chargers fans have been freaking out on social media, Slater called it, "Nothing that's concerning."
#slater
Left tackle Rashawn Slater has missed the last four days of practice, while edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu didn't practice at the start of training camp but has fully participated over the last week.
Starting with Slater, he suffered a torn patellar tendon on Aug. 7 during training camp in 2025, which caused him to miss the entire season.
He has been working his way back and participated in every practice until the pads came on in San Diego a week ago. Slater had a "minor flare-up" in his surgically repaired knee when he left practice early in San Diego last week.
While Chargers fans have been freaking out on social media, Slater called it, "Nothing that's concerning."
#slater
6 days ago
Until the UCLA Bruins are in College Football Playoff contention, which has yet to happen in the CFP era, all UCLA fans can do is root for the demise of the rival USC Trojans. USC also has yet to make a CFP appearance but that might change in 2026.
The Trojans went 9-4 last season and added another strong recruiting class, which should only help USC's depth while giving head coach Lincoln Riley fewer excuses for missing the playoffs.
Riley has been able to churn out strong offenses, the big questions for the Trojans reside on the defensive side of the ball. While UCLA had the worst scoring defense in the Big Ten last year, USC wasn't too far behind with the eighth-worst defense in the conference.
With the USC defense being the question mark, Trojans Wire writer Matt Zemek discussed whether or not he believes that the Trojans' defense can take a step in 2026 under first-year defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
"I am skeptical about the defense. It got bullied last year by the best opponents on the Trojans' schedule. Lincoln Riley coaches soft defenses. It is what it is. That's his track record. USC fans don't like it, but they really can't argue the point, either. Lincoln Riley has to prove he can field a team with a snot-knocking defense," Zemek said. "Until that's proven, Riley and USC by extension have simply not earned the benefit of the doubt. The defensive line is easily the most important position group. Jahkeem Stewart is the headliner, but even if he plays well, he can't do it himself. USC's defense was bad even when Tuli Tuipulotu was playing elite ball in 2022. It can't be one guy. It takes a village, as the saying goes. The jury is out on whether USC has that village in 2026. Those guys have to prove the skeptics wrong, and I'm one of the doubters."
#defense #riley #year
The Trojans went 9-4 last season and added another strong recruiting class, which should only help USC's depth while giving head coach Lincoln Riley fewer excuses for missing the playoffs.
Riley has been able to churn out strong offenses, the big questions for the Trojans reside on the defensive side of the ball. While UCLA had the worst scoring defense in the Big Ten last year, USC wasn't too far behind with the eighth-worst defense in the conference.
With the USC defense being the question mark, Trojans Wire writer Matt Zemek discussed whether or not he believes that the Trojans' defense can take a step in 2026 under first-year defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
"I am skeptical about the defense. It got bullied last year by the best opponents on the Trojans' schedule. Lincoln Riley coaches soft defenses. It is what it is. That's his track record. USC fans don't like it, but they really can't argue the point, either. Lincoln Riley has to prove he can field a team with a snot-knocking defense," Zemek said. "Until that's proven, Riley and USC by extension have simply not earned the benefit of the doubt. The defensive line is easily the most important position group. Jahkeem Stewart is the headliner, but even if he plays well, he can't do it himself. USC's defense was bad even when Tuli Tuipulotu was playing elite ball in 2022. It can't be one guy. It takes a village, as the saying goes. The jury is out on whether USC has that village in 2026. Those guys have to prove the skeptics wrong, and I'm one of the doubters."
#defense #riley #year
16 days ago
Another ranking, and another list where the Chargers find themselves just outside the top 10.
ESPN recently ranked NFL teams based on their under-25 talent, and the Chargers came in at No. 11, narrowly missing out on a spot among the league's top young cores.
"The top young player for the Chargers is Alt, who is 23 years old and tasked with protecting quarterback Justin Herbert. Running back Omarion Hampton and tight end Oronde Gadsden (both 23) performed well for the Chargers in 2025. Wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris are all 24.
"On defense, the underrated slot cornerback Tarheeb Still is still just 24 years old, while edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu will turn 24 on Sept. 3. However, rookie first-rounder Mesidor does not qualify for this ranking, as he turned 25 in April."
The Chargers dropped one spot in the list compared to last year. Notable teams ahead of Los Angeles in this category are the Raiders, Browns and the Texans.
#teams #spot #espn
ESPN recently ranked NFL teams based on their under-25 talent, and the Chargers came in at No. 11, narrowly missing out on a spot among the league's top young cores.
"The top young player for the Chargers is Alt, who is 23 years old and tasked with protecting quarterback Justin Herbert. Running back Omarion Hampton and tight end Oronde Gadsden (both 23) performed well for the Chargers in 2025. Wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris are all 24.
"On defense, the underrated slot cornerback Tarheeb Still is still just 24 years old, while edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu will turn 24 on Sept. 3. However, rookie first-rounder Mesidor does not qualify for this ranking, as he turned 25 in April."
The Chargers dropped one spot in the list compared to last year. Notable teams ahead of Los Angeles in this category are the Raiders, Browns and the Texans.
#teams #spot #espn
23 days ago
Each season, Tuli Tuipulotu is making his name known as a top pass rusher in the NFL. The Chargers' faith in him is growing. They moved on from former top draft pick Joey Bosa and let Odafe Oweh walk. Tuli Tuipulotu is becoming the cornerstone of the Chargers' defense, and he is getting more respect as a result.
In a recent article, Bobby Kownack breaks down Tuli Tuipulotu making the NFL top 100 players list. Here is what he had to say about Tuipulotu:
"Incremental improvements through his first three years led to a certified breakout for Tuipulotu last season. The 23-year-old officially emerged from the shadow of his pass-rushing mentor Khalil Mack and lapped the rest of L.A's edge defenders, as well, leading the team in sacks for a second straight campaign to make his first Pro Bowl. His 13 sacks doubled his career total, and his pressure percentage jumped from 10.4 across 2023-24 to 15.6. Now, the question is whether he has yet another leap in store for 2026."
Tuli Tuipulotu continues to develop his game, and this past season, he put it all together, leading to a Pro Bowl nod for him. When teams face the Chargers, #45 is the main guy they are preparing for all week long. Getting on the NFL's top 100 players list is just the beginning for Tuli. This upcoming season should bring even more dominance for the former Trojan.
Contact/Follow TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.
#tuipulotu #chargers
In a recent article, Bobby Kownack breaks down Tuli Tuipulotu making the NFL top 100 players list. Here is what he had to say about Tuipulotu:
"Incremental improvements through his first three years led to a certified breakout for Tuipulotu last season. The 23-year-old officially emerged from the shadow of his pass-rushing mentor Khalil Mack and lapped the rest of L.A's edge defenders, as well, leading the team in sacks for a second straight campaign to make his first Pro Bowl. His 13 sacks doubled his career total, and his pressure percentage jumped from 10.4 across 2023-24 to 15.6. Now, the question is whether he has yet another leap in store for 2026."
Tuli Tuipulotu continues to develop his game, and this past season, he put it all together, leading to a Pro Bowl nod for him. When teams face the Chargers, #45 is the main guy they are preparing for all week long. Getting on the NFL's top 100 players list is just the beginning for Tuli. This upcoming season should bring even more dominance for the former Trojan.
Contact/Follow TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.
#tuipulotu #chargers
1 month ago
Scotland have been boosted by the availability of fly half Finn Russell as they take on world champions South Africa in Pretoria.
Russell missed the win over Argentina with a calf injury but is fit to start at No 10 against the Springboks.
Zander ***** erson and Gregor Brown are promoted into the starting tight five in the other two changes to Gregor Townsend's side, with the Scotland head coach favouring a six forwards to two backs bench split. Jamie Dobie, who starts on the wing, will cover scrum half.
Rory Hutchinson retains his place at outside centre alongside captain Sione Tuipulotu in midfield, with Kyle Rowe again stationed at full-back.
Scotland will take on the Springboks on South African soil for the first time in 12 years as they face a daunting challenge at Loftus Versfeld.
Russell missed the win over Argentina with a calf injury but is fit to start at No 10 against the Springboks.
Zander ***** erson and Gregor Brown are promoted into the starting tight five in the other two changes to Gregor Townsend's side, with the Scotland head coach favouring a six forwards to two backs bench split. Jamie Dobie, who starts on the wing, will cover scrum half.
Rory Hutchinson retains his place at outside centre alongside captain Sione Tuipulotu in midfield, with Kyle Rowe again stationed at full-back.
Scotland will take on the Springboks on South African soil for the first time in 12 years as they face a daunting challenge at Loftus Versfeld.
1 month ago
CORDOBA, Argentina (AP) — Hooker Gregor Hiddleston scored a crucial try on debut as Scotland finished strongly to beat Argentina 47-38 Saturday in the first round of rugby's Nations Championship.
Scotland was under severe pressure with a two point lead and a man in the sin bin with 15 minutes remaining.
Hiddleston's try gave Scotland breathing **** e and it finished powerfully with a try to Kyle Rowe to win by seven tries to five and post its highest-ever score against Argentina. The win avenged Scotland's 33-24 loss to Argentina in Edinburgh in the autumn.
Scotland had to overcome strong starts by Argentina in both halves. Joaquin Oviedo scored the first try of the match in the seventh minute but Scotland rallied with tries to captain Sione Tuipulotu, Pierre Shoeman and Rory Hutchinson to lead 19-10 at halftime.
Winger Rodrigo Isgro scored for Argentina in the second minute of the second half to cut the lead to two points. But Scotland responded emphatically with tries to Gregor Brown and Scott **** s, both playing their 50th tests.
Scotland was under severe pressure with a two point lead and a man in the sin bin with 15 minutes remaining.
Hiddleston's try gave Scotland breathing **** e and it finished powerfully with a try to Kyle Rowe to win by seven tries to five and post its highest-ever score against Argentina. The win avenged Scotland's 33-24 loss to Argentina in Edinburgh in the autumn.
Scotland had to overcome strong starts by Argentina in both halves. Joaquin Oviedo scored the first try of the match in the seventh minute but Scotland rallied with tries to captain Sione Tuipulotu, Pierre Shoeman and Rory Hutchinson to lead 19-10 at halftime.
Winger Rodrigo Isgro scored for Argentina in the second minute of the second half to cut the lead to two points. But Scotland responded emphatically with tries to Gregor Brown and Scott **** s, both playing their 50th tests.
1 month ago
Nations Championship
Argentina (10) (38)
Tries: Oviedo, Isgro, Rapetti, Cinti, Moyano Cons: Albornoz 5 Pens: Albornoz
Scotland (19) (47)
Tries: Tuipulotu, Schoeman, Hutchinson, Brown, ****** s, Hiddleston, Rowe Cons: Burke 3, Jordan 3
Argentina (10) (38)
Tries: Oviedo, Isgro, Rapetti, Cinti, Moyano Cons: Albornoz 5 Pens: Albornoz
Scotland (19) (47)
Tries: Tuipulotu, Schoeman, Hutchinson, Brown, ****** s, Hiddleston, Rowe Cons: Burke 3, Jordan 3
1 month ago
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been "waiting to play" again ever since Glasgow Warriors' United Rugby Championship semi-final defeat by Bulls and is also keen to address regrets from the autumn.
Tuipulotu captains the Scots against Argentina in the opening summer Test of the Nations Championships series. The Pumas recovered from 21-0 down at half-time to defeat Gregor Townsend's side at Murrayfield in November.
And the British and Irish Lions centre endured the disappointment of missing out on a home final in the URC as South Africa's Bulls triumphed at Murrayfield in June.
"It feels like a long time," Tuipulotu said. "It's important for us to get back on the field.
"You carry these games with you and the first thing that you want to do is get back on the field and I suppose, not reverse it, but give yourself a chance to rid yourself of the feeling."
Tuipulotu captains the Scots against Argentina in the opening summer Test of the Nations Championships series. The Pumas recovered from 21-0 down at half-time to defeat Gregor Townsend's side at Murrayfield in November.
And the British and Irish Lions centre endured the disappointment of missing out on a home final in the URC as South Africa's Bulls triumphed at Murrayfield in June.
"It feels like a long time," Tuipulotu said. "It's important for us to get back on the field.
"You carry these games with you and the first thing that you want to do is get back on the field and I suppose, not reverse it, but give yourself a chance to rid yourself of the feeling."
1 month ago
The summer tradition of the "NFL Top 100" continues this offseason. This week, players No. 90-81 are being revealed and, on Wednesday, player No. 86 was revealed. So far, no Arizona Cardinals have been named, but player No. 86 is one the Cardinals will face this coming season.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu is No. 86 of the "NFL Top 100."
Tuipulotu makes the top 100 for the first time in his career. He made the Pro Bowl for the first time after a career-high 13 sacks for the Chargers in 2025. He had 20 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hits.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs said that Tuipulotu "hits like a truck."
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty called him a "great player," a "phyiscal dude" and noted he has "great moves off the edge."
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu is No. 86 of the "NFL Top 100."
Tuipulotu makes the top 100 for the first time in his career. He made the Pro Bowl for the first time after a career-high 13 sacks for the Chargers in 2025. He had 20 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hits.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs said that Tuipulotu "hits like a truck."
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty called him a "great player," a "phyiscal dude" and noted he has "great moves off the edge."
2 months ago
With just over a month left until training camp gets underway, the Minnesota Vikings are likely in the process of deciding what final moves they need to make to shore up their roster before everyone gets together in Eagan to prepare for the 2026 NFL season. Lots of people have suggestions, but one outlet has suggested a move for a relatively big name that. . .well, might not be a terribly good move for our favorite team.
ESPN has an article up that suggests one last offseason move for each of the 32 NFL teams, whether that move be a free agent signing, a trade, a contract extension, or whatever it may be. In the case of the Vikings, the move that they suggest is signing edge rusher Haason Reddick, late of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and still floating around the free agency market. Here’s the logic behind their suggestion.
Another NFC North team, another questionable depth chart on the edge. The issue here is not Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel but rather the players behind them, led by 2025 fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and 2024 undrafted free agent Bo Richter.
Reddick had only 2.5 sacks last season, the lowest of the three best available veteran pass rushers, but his 12% pass rush win rate was still impressive: similar to the Chargers’ Tuli Tuipulotu and just ahead of the Steelers’ T.J. Watt. Reddick’s history of playing in flexible 3-4 defenses makes him the best fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores because he has more experience dropping into coverage on complicated zone blitzes.
It wasn’t that long ago when Reddick was one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. In 2022, he racked up 16 sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles, was a second-team All-Pro selection, and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He followed that up with an 11-sack campaign for the Eagles, and was then traded to the New York Jets for a mid-round draft choice.
ESPN has an article up that suggests one last offseason move for each of the 32 NFL teams, whether that move be a free agent signing, a trade, a contract extension, or whatever it may be. In the case of the Vikings, the move that they suggest is signing edge rusher Haason Reddick, late of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and still floating around the free agency market. Here’s the logic behind their suggestion.
Another NFC North team, another questionable depth chart on the edge. The issue here is not Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel but rather the players behind them, led by 2025 fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and 2024 undrafted free agent Bo Richter.
Reddick had only 2.5 sacks last season, the lowest of the three best available veteran pass rushers, but his 12% pass rush win rate was still impressive: similar to the Chargers’ Tuli Tuipulotu and just ahead of the Steelers’ T.J. Watt. Reddick’s history of playing in flexible 3-4 defenses makes him the best fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores because he has more experience dropping into coverage on complicated zone blitzes.
It wasn’t that long ago when Reddick was one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. In 2022, he racked up 16 sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles, was a second-team All-Pro selection, and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He followed that up with an 11-sack campaign for the Eagles, and was then traded to the New York Jets for a mid-round draft choice.
