After being decimated with injuries in prior years, the Chargers made it throughout the course of the summer with a relatively healthy roster ahead of the 2021 season.
The five starters along the offensive line, safety Derwin James, linebacker Drue Tranquill, among other players at key positions will be ready for the season opener against The Washington Football Team next weekend.
Knowing it was a serious problem in the past, head coach Brandon Staley made the health of the team a priority and it paid off.
“I think our camp is a validation,” Staley said. “I know that I’m very pleased. But I’m very happy because I know that (the players are) in a good place. And I know that they’re fully invested in what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.
In practices, Los Angeles had an activation time, which included stretching, and a lot of recovery time after. The volume of practice would fluctuate to ensure players were getting the right amount of work, yet tapering down to allow for proper restoration.
Staley also sidelined and minimized playing time of a handful of the key starters during the preseason.
Another big component of their durability was the hiring of Anthony Lomando as the director of sports performance.
Lomando spent the past nine years with the Broncos as their assistant strength and conditioning coach. Prior to that, he spent three seasons working on the strength and conditioning staff for the Jaguars.
Lomando also worked with the Qatar National and Olympic Soccer teams in 2007 and was responsible for preparing them for the World Cup and Olympic qualifying matches.
With Lomando’s expertise, he oversees a staff that provides elite strength and conditioning practices, while better protecting the players from injuries and helping them develop and perform at a higher level.
The Chargers have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but player availability is going to play a big role in determining their success.
If and when the Bolts can stay healthy, they can make some serious noise this season.
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