EL SEGUNDO — No question, there is a training camp battle between Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson for the Chargers’ starting center position, one of the few actual competitions over the first few days. There also is a battle between Bozeman and Johnson for their starting left guard spot.
Either way, it seems certain they will make up two-fifths of the Chargers’ offensive line when the season begins on Sept. 5. Either Bozeman or Johnson will be the starting center and either Bozeman or Johnson will be the starting left guard. Each would appear to have a starting spot locked up.
So, is it really a competition?
Or simply a tryout for Johnson at center and Bozeman at left guard?
“It’s not really a competition,” Coach Jim Harbaugh said of the head-to-head battle between the two. “It’s a competition to get our best combination (on the offensive line), and it’s going in a really good direction. It’s not even going to end because having Zion at center gives us good versatility.”
Conventional wisdom suggested that the Chargers missed an opportunity to improve the interior of their offensive line during the offseason beyond signing right guard Mekhi Becton after his standout play with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 season.
Bozeman started at center last season with Johnson at left guard, Rashawn Slater at left tackle, Trey Pipkins III at right guard and Joe Alt at right tackle. It wouldn’t be a shock if the line this season looks similar to last season with the exception of Becton slotting into Pipkins’ position.
It would be a leap to suggest Johnson could supplant Bozeman at center since, as Johnson acknowledged Friday, he played center only during the Senior Bowl after departing Boston College following the 2021 season. Bozeman has played both center and left guard during his eight-year NFL career.
But the Chargers are determined to give it a try to see how it shakes out.
They have been rotating between positions each day since training camp opened July 17.
It’s possible Bozeman and Johnson will play in the Chargers’ preseason opener against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday in Canton, Ohio. Harbaugh said a decision hadn’t been made as of Friday, but “I’ll be able to give you more detail next week.”
SALYER SLIMS DOWN
Offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer went from starting all 17 games during the 2023 season to playing all 17 games in ’24, but only starting four times. What’s more, he was noticeably overmatched while starting at right guard for an injured Trey Pipkins III during the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Houston Texans.
Salyer wasn’t the only reason the Chargers were routed 32-12, or why quarterback Justin Herbert threw a career-worst four interceptions, one more than he threw during the entire regular season. But his lackluster play helped to explain why the Chargers were ousted from the playoffs.
The offseason was a period of reckoning for Salyer, and the results have been evident so far during training camp, according to offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Salyer wasn’t expected to win a starting spot on the offensive line, but it’s been clear that he’s primed to challenge for one.
“God’s honest truth, I feel Jamaree made a commitment to being in the best shape he could possibly be,” Roman said. “He’s a different guy. Subtract 35 pounds of bad weight, his ability to move laterally, change direction quickly is so much better. It’s noticeable, very noticeable, just his commitment to being in much better shape. He’s got some good, really good playing experience. He’s got good instincts. Last year, quite frankly, he was held back by just the shape he was in.”
When asked if the Chargers’ coaching staff spoke to Salyer about his weight and its impact on his play after the loss to the Texans, Roman said, “I’ve got to say the credit all goes to him. We’re certainly there encouraging and advising, but the credit all goes to him. I’m sure (the game against Houston) was sitting in the back of his head as he went on that journey to lose that weight.”
EXTRA POINTS
The Chargers signed wide receiver JaQuae Jackson and waived offensive lineman Elijah Ellis. … Cornerback Cam Hart intercepted a pass from Herbert and returned it for a touchdown during 11-on-11 drills. … Slater was absent from practice because of what Harbaugh called a minor injury.