Rashawn Slater Headlines 5 Chargers to Watch in Preseason Finale vs. Rams

As the calendar flips to August 26, 2026, the Los Angeles Chargers are putting the finishing touches on their preseason preparations. With training camp officially in the rearview mirror, Jim Harbaugh's squad turns its attention to the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Harbaugh confirmed that starters—save for Derwin James and Khalil Mack—will see the field, meaning Justin Herbert and the first-team offense will get one last tune-up before the regular season. For a Chargers team with Super Bowl aspirations, this final dress rehearsal is more than just a formality; it's an opportunity to build momentum and answer lingering roster questions.

The Return of Rashawn Slater

The headline attraction is undoubtedly the return of left tackle Rashawn Slater, who hasn't played in a game since the 2024 postseason. After a grueling recovery, Slater has looked sharp in practice this week, showing explosion and mobility that suggest he's fully healed. His participation in 11-on-11 drills was a promising sign, and his presence on the field Thursday—even for a limited number of snaps—will be a massive boost for the offensive line and the entire offense. As highlighted on Vulius, Slater's ability to protect Herbert's blind side is critical to the Chargers' success, and his return to game action is a major storyline to monitor.

Edge Rushers on the Bubble

Beyond the stars, the preseason finale is a final audition for several young players fighting for roster spots. The edge rusher competition between undrafted rookie Nadame Tucker and fifth-round pick Kyle Kennard has been one of the most closely watched battles of camp. Tucker started strong but has faded recently, including a rough outing against the 49ers where a face mask penalty negated a would-be tackle for loss. Both players have been given ample opportunities to prove they deserve the fourth edge rusher spot over veteran Bud Dupree, but neither has seized the moment. If they fail to show something against the Rams, the Chargers could look to cut candidates from other teams to fill the role, as they did with Caleb Murphy last season.

Defensive Tackle Depth and Offensive Line Flexibility

Another key battle is at defensive tackle, where fifth-round pick Nick Barrett is trying to hold off undrafted free agents Jahmeer Carter and TeRah Edwards. Barrett's draft status gives him an edge, but Edwards has arguably outplayed him in the first two preseason games. The Chargers are expected to keep five defensive tackles, and Barrett's spot is far from guaranteed. On the offensive line, Trey Pipkins has been thrust into the left guard competition with Kayode Awosika following Tyler Biadasz's injury, which shifted Jake Slaughter to center. Pipkins' athleticism fits Mike McDaniels' scheme, but his ability to handle interior pass rushers remains a question. The team needs depth to avoid a repeat of last season's injury-plagued campaign.

With so much on the line, Thursday's game promises to be a competitive and revealing affair. The Chargers are not just preparing for the Rams; they're preparing for the long haul. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, the decisions made in this final preseason game could shape the entire season. Fans should keep a close eye on these five players, as their performances will go a long way in determining the final 53-man roster.