INGLEWOOD, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers for the first time allowed their fans to witness them practice inside SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic fans were not allowed last season to watch the Chargers compete, and with everything opening up it’s a welcomed relief to be inside one of the most iconic structures in all of the world.
“It’s just good to be back out there and thank you to all the fans that showed up and supported,” Justin Herbert said. “It’s just good to be back to play in football, and we had some good opportunities to go down and score and some good things, some bad things, but a lot of film to watch.”
Herbert completed a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Jalen Guyton that ultimately set up wide receiver Mike Williams for the first touchdown of the afternoon. Herbert also completed a touchdown pass to Keenan Allen.
Safety Derwin James was itching to go in front of the 35,000 crowd at SoFi Stadium, back healthy and appearing as if he hasn’t lost a step, snatched an interception from Herbert on a pass intended for running back Austin Ekeler.
“With the fans out here, we had more energy,” James said. “We had our uniforms on and it kind of felt game-like, but we’re still recovering and have things to work on.”
“I think that’s the biggest thing, and he’s a competitor,” Herbert said of James. “He’s smart, crazy, athletic, and he makes plays and to have him out on that side of the ball. It makes it tough on us, but at the same time, we get to learn from him.”
Chargers center Corey Linsley walked off the field with trainers and didn’t return with what was addressed as a foot injury according to head coach Brandon Staley. Also, linebacker Kenneth Murray left the game with an apparent lower leg injury, on a play where he tackled tight end Jared Cook. After the play he rolled over in pain as the training staff attended to him. Murray was placed on the trainers table and was later re-tapped. Murray did not return, however he was walking around on the sidelines in attempt to walk it off. Staley listed it as ankle injury for Murray and the team would be act with caution regarding both players for now.
Coach Staley also said that he and his coaching staff would review the film and make adjustment as they continue to move through camp.
Before the practice began, fans were treated to a concert that featured “The Offspring” right outside of the stadium.
