COSTA MESA — Nose tackle Linval Joseph said the Chargers made the right decision by beefing up the interior of the offensive line in free agency because it will benefit the team and it might help him financially.
Joseph has been pushed in training camp by newcomer center Corey Linsley, the 2020 First-Team All-Pro selection from Green Bay. Joseph is familiar with Linsley from their NFC North battles when Joseph played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 to 2019.
“I feel like it may give me the opportunity to get another deal,” Joseph said about facing Linsley daily. “He’s going to give me his all, I’m going to give him my all. Hopefully, I come out on top.
“He’s fast. He’s smart. I’m glad he’s on our team. I’ve played against him for six years in a row, twice a year, and we had some good battles.”
The Chargers struggled with protecting quarterback Justin Herbert last season, but they addressed that by adding Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi for a revamped interior of the offensive line. The team also drafted left tackle Rashawn Slater in the first round.
But for the offensive line to have instant success in 2021, Linsley will need to build chemistry quickly with his new quarterback and make sure his new teammates are in the right places.
“That was the reason they brought all of us in and brought us together,” Linsley said about the challenges of getting the offensive line to jell quickly. “There is 100 percent added pressure that we have to perform. There’s (pressure) for everybody. Everybody across the league feels it.
“This is just our version of that pressure. We want to be the best offensive line group we can be and get this thing rolling. It’s something you have to handle, something you have to work with and continue to embrace out on the field.”
Linsley said it’s been an adjustment working with Herbert when it comes to communication and snapping the ball, but added that they’re working through issues quickly because they’re constantly asking each other questions.
“I feel like the issues that we’ve had, we’ve been able to work through them,” Linsley said. “I think that’s the biggest thing. There will obviously be issues. I feel like snapping-wise and the fundamentals of everything have been really great.
“(Herbert is) obviously a really great player and has a great command of the huddle. In terms of the operation – the communication, making calls and stuff – we’ve had time to talk about it now where we’ve done live reps against the defense.”
Linsley and the Chargers’ offensive line are still in the adjustment phase, but facing a stout defensive line in practices, with coach Brandon Staley calling the plays, could help the new unit grow together quickly before Week 1 of the regular season arrives against the Washington Football Team.
“It’s a pain in the butt, man,” Linsley said about facing a Staley-led defense. “You have to be on your stuff. He brings a ton of looks.”
Corey Linsley on facing a Brandon Staley-led defense: “It’s a pain in the butt.” #Chargers pic.twitter.com/tS5YKQ4ZKg
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) August 3, 2021
BULAGA DOESN’T FINISH PRACTICE
Veteran right tackle Bryan Bulaga needed medical treatment on his right hand toward the end of Tuesday’s practice.
Bulaga, who left the field with his hand wrapped, missed six games last season because of multiple injuries. The Chargers have monitored his snaps in training camp and have limited his play during team drills.
Bulaga, 32, joined the Chargers last year in free agency after spending nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He’s the lone returning starter from last year’s offensive line.
KICKER UPDATE
Rookie kicker Alex Kessman received his first field-goal attempts of the summer.
He went 4 of 5 with field goals made from 33, 40, 47 and 51 yards. His only miss was from 44 yards.
Tristan Vizcaino kicked for the second consecutive day and went 4 of 5 with field goals made from 40, 45, 48 and 51 yards. He missed a 33-yard field goal.
Michael Badgley didn’t receive an attempt after making five field goals the prior practice.
“I think it’s early on,” Chargers special teams coordinator Derius Swinton said about the kicker competition. “I think they all got a shot in the last two days. They’ve done a good job of hitting the ball just getting their stroke back. You know, working with different holders and long snappers, just getting that feel.”
OTHER CAMP NOTES …
Wide receiver Austin Proehl is making a strong case to be on the Chargers’ 53-man roster. He’s had many standout plays, including a touchdown grab from Herbert during Tuesday’s 7-on-7 period. The Chargers claimed the former Rams wideout off waivers in May. …
Rookie cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. saw an increase of first-team snaps Tuesday. He’s been playing inside and outside cornerback. …
Wide receiver Tyron Johnson missed a second consecutive practice because of a foot and ankle issue. …
Cornerback Ryan Smith also didn’t participate in practice. He limped off the field during Monday’s practice.
Kenneth Murray and Derwin James just chased Justin Herbert out of bounds. A lot of speed and energy from the defense in red zone drills #Chargers
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) August 3, 2021
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