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Chargers Begin Mandatory Minicamp as McDaniel Installs Timing-Based Offense

Coaches are using the three-day session to build precise route timing that aims to speed Justin Herbert’s release and reshape the passing attack.

Image
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Quentin Johnston in his Los Angeles Chargers uniform during a game, Image 2 shows Ladd McConkey in his Chargers uniform with "15" on his chest, looking toward the right, Image 3 shows Jim Harbaugh speaking during the Los Angeles Chargers OTA offseason workout
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throwing a football during an offseason workout, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches practice during NFL football training camp , Image 3 shows Justin Herbert and a coach watching offseason workouts
May 11, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh watches during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Justin Herbert will throw on all three days of mandatory minicamp as part of a planned ramp-up toward training camp and the 2026 season.
  • New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is teaching anticipation throws and strict route-timing details so quarterbacks release the ball as receivers hit their breaks.
  • Wide receiver Ladd McConkey disclosed a left hamstring strain sustained during Phase 2 of offseason work and was limited to individual drills but expects to be ready for training camp.
  • The Chargers picked up Quentin Johnston’s fifth-year option and coaches publicly raised expectations for Johnston, McConkey and Tre’ Harris to prove they fit McDaniel’s timing-heavy system.
  • Minicamp is serving as a key evaluation window with several minor injuries observed—rookie Brenen Thompson left practice with a trainer and multiple offensive linemen were absent—while the staff works to translate meetings into on-field timing that could reduce pressure on Herbert and boost yards-after-catch opportunities.