The Chargers opened training camp with idyllic San Diego weather, 70-degrees and clear blue skies, at Chargers Park on Thursday morning. Coach Norv Turner is hopeful the storms of the past two seasons, filled with injuries and not making the playoffs are behind his team. Player attendance was phenomenal for the morning walk-thru, 88 of 90 were present.
Who’s here: General Manager A.J. Smith added seventeen veteran free agents this offseason. All participated in the first day of training camp. Several who are expected to compete for significant playing time include: RB Jackie Battle (Chiefs), SS Atari Bigby (Seahawks), RB Ronnie Brown (Eagles), OLB Jarret Johnson (Ravens), FB Le’Ron McClain (Chiefs), WR Robert Meachem (Saints), TE Dante Rosario (Broncos) and WR Eddie Royal (Broncos).
Six of this year’s seven draft picks, who all signed in early May, particpated. OLB Melvin Ingram (round one, 18th overall) and DE Kendall Reyes (round two, 49th overall) are expected to make an immediate impact. SS Brandon Taylor (round three, 73rd overall) will compete with Bigby for the starting job.
OLB Larry English (foot) and TE Antonio Gates (foot), who have missed games the past two seasons, appear healthy.
Who’s not: G-T Brandyn Dombrowski (foot, cyst) was the only veteran (four-years) who did not participate after failing his physical Wednesday. G Johnnie Troutman (round five, 149th overall pick) also did not participate. Troutman was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before training camp. Troutman is eligible to come off of the PUP list but is expected to miss the season. Neither player saw action during the team’s OTA’s and minicamp.
DE Luis Castillo, who played seven seasons for San Diego, was released a week ago. Castillo suffered a broken tibia during a Week 1 start last season and participated sporadically through the offseason workouts.
Follow Chargers reporter Dan McLellan on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLSD and @SanDiegoSports
