O Chargers hosted the final practice of the first week of training camp early Saturday evening, drawing a sellout crowd under the setting sun in El Segundo.
Some lessons from day 4:
Mother Harbaugh on Slater’s Status
All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater left practice on Friday morning, heading to the facility with athletic trainers, and did not participate on Saturday, wandering the sideline in a jersey and shorts.
Slater was one of many starters, including Khalil Mack, JK Dobbins and Joshua Palmer, who left Friday’s practice, but was the only one who held out on Saturday.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said it planned to excuse starters from practice periodically during camp to minimize burnout. It will also allow backups and players fighting for roster spots to get more reps.
See more information: Camp takeaways: Chargers defense catching up
Harbaugh said Slater informed the team that he was dealing with an issue during practice and wanted to continue. Despite his preference, the team chose to take him out of training.
Harbaugh did not elaborate on the issue that bothers Slater, saying only: “He is working something out.”
McConkey impresses
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey began integrating into the offense during the first week of camp. The Justin Herbert-McConkey connection is becoming more evident.
On Saturday, McConkey continued to impress with his running and receptions, making a spectacular catch while being covered by defenders in the back of the end zone.
Harbaugh highlighted McConkey’s route running and acceleration ability.
“He’s been really good and dialed in from the beginning,” Harbaugh said.
‘Dicker the Kicker’ shows off his leg
Placekicker Cameron Dicker, affectionately known as “Dicker the Kicker”, hopes to build on the success of his first full season with the Chargers, during which he finished near the top of the league in throwing accuracy and was perfect on extra points.
Dicker showed off his leg strength and accuracy as the team focused more on the shooting unit on Saturday. He was perfect with all of his shots, earning oohs and aahs from the crowd as he split vertical bars at greater distances.
This story originally appeared on Los Angeles Times.
