Overview
- Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Kayode Awosika will start at left guard after a training-camp competition.
- Rookie Jake Slaughter will start at center, completing a new trio of interior starters for the Chargers.
- Awosika earned an elite preseason grade from Pro Football Focus but has a limited regular-season track record that includes allowing three sacks in four starts last year.
- Earlier injuries to established interior men created a depth shortfall that pushed the Chargers to elevate backups and rookies for Week 1 roles.
- Coaches appear to favor Awosika’s pass‑protection traits for Mike McDaniel’s offense, though questions remain about run blocking and the unit’s long‑term cohesion.