Training camp: a new normal for Chargers

COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – No fans. Food vendors have dissipated. Virtual meetings. Zoom call press conferences with players and coaches is now the functioning edit for members of the media. Training camp looks a whole lot different than it did just a summer ago. The COVID-19 health pandemic has changed the playing field for everyone.

This has become the new normal for the life of an NFL ballclub and for everyone attached to the team. But nonetheless, the league is moving forward with its plans to go through with the 2020 NFL season. With that settled, the Los Angeles Chargers began practice with media viewing on Friday, Aug. 14.

With all preseason games scrapped due to COVID-19 concerns, the Chargers will make their season debut on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13. News4usonline caught a snapshot of some of the activity at the Chargers training camp practice. All photos by Dennis J. Freeman

Defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins (23) goes high for the ball.

Desmond King (20) will be ready once the season starts.

Desmond King (20) could have a big year for the Chargers.

Rookie defensive back Alohi Gilman (32) takes the right angle on this catch.

Defensive star Joey Bosa (97) gets ready for practice.

Defensive back Quenton Meeks (29) stretching.

Linval Joseph (95) gets ready to hit the tackling dummy.

Joe Gaziano (92) rumbles his way through a practice drill.

Newcomer Chris Harris (25) runs in a practice drill.

Nasir Adderley (24) rushes in to catch the football.

Rayshawn Jenkins (23) getting a jump on his ball skills.

Dennis J. Freeman

Dennis has covered and written about politics, crime, race, sports, and entertainment. Dennis currently covers the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, and Olympic sports. Dennis is the editor of News4usonline.com and serves as the publisher of the Compton Bulletin newspaper. He earned a journalism degree from Howard University. Email Dennis at dfreeman@news4usonline.com