
Sports reporter
Elliott Teaford
Elliott Teaford covers the Los Angeles Chargers for the Orange County and the Southern California News Group. He covered the Anaheim Ducks for 19 seasons, including eight of the past 10 for SCNG. He covered their Stanley Cup championship team in 2006-07. He also covered the Lakers for five seasons, including their back-to-back NBA championships in 2008-09 and 2009-10, and the Clippers for one. He is a Long Beach State graduate.
All Stories

Conventional wisdom suggests the Chargers’ standout left tackle – who Coach Jim Harbaugh calls one of the team’s “nine elite guys” – will earn a sizable bump in his next...

Chargers safety Tony Jefferson feeling ‘renewed’ for his 11th NFL season
“I feel renewed, I feel fresh,” the 33-year-old Jefferson says after the first day of OTAs. He came out of retirement to play eight games with the Chargers last season.

Chargers’ 2025 opener vs. Chiefs in Brazil is 1 of their 5 prime-time games
The game will be streamed on YouTube for free, a first for the NFL, which continues to expand its footprint beyond traditional television networks. They also face the Raiders, Vikings,...

Chargers reportedly will play host to Chiefs in season opener in Brazil
The NFL will announce the matchups for its seven international games Tuesday with the rest of the 2025 schedule revealed on Wednesday (5 p.m. PT).

Chargers’ draft picks get warm welcome from veteran Khalil Mack
“This is a day and a weekend of evaluations,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh says of rookie camp. “Really just mining for gold, diamonds, gems.”

NFL draft: Chargers select Mississippi WR Tre Harris in 2nd round
Harris had 60 receptions for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns, and averaged 17.2 yards per catch during the 2024 season for the Rebels.

Chargers select North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton with 1st-round pick
The 5-foot-11, 221-pound Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior in 2024 and averaged 5.9 yards per carry in each of his two seasons as the...

NFL draft: Chargers’ scouting department ready for its Super Bowl
The Chargers have 10 picks, the 22nd overall and one in each of the first five rounds, plus four in the sixth and one in the seventh.

Chargers to face Lions in Hall of Fame preseason game on July 31
Former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame the same week. The Chargers last played in the annual game in Canton, Ohio,...

Chargers’ newly-signed OL Mekhi Becton eager to team with Joe Alt
The 6-foot-7, 363-pound Becton described the 6-8, 322-pound Alt as a “dancing bear,” meaning that as a compliment since Alt moves as if he is light on his feet.

NFL draft: Should the Chargers pick DL Kenneth Grant in 1st round?
The defensive tackle from Michigan could be the sort of disruptive force the Chargers covet in the absence of departed free agents Poona Ford and Morgan Fox.

NFL draft: Should the Chargers pick WR Emeka Egbuka in 1st round?
Egbuka had 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season at Ohio State, and he would fit the playmaker role nicely.

Chargers final mock draft: Options open in 1st round
GM Joe Hortiz says he can afford to be selective with the 22nd overall pick in Thursday's NFL draft, given his free-agent success in building the roster.

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz keeping options open for NFL draft
With the team addressing several needs via free agency, Hortiz isn’t locked into picking with one position in mind when they make their first-round selection (22nd overall) next Thursday.

Chargers mock draft 2.0: Lots of offensive options for GM Joe Hortiz
Colston Loveland, a tight end from Michigan, could be Joe Hortiz’s first pick in his second NFL draft as Chargers GM on April 24 in Green Bay.

A look at the Chargers’ depth chart post-free agency, pre-NFL draft
GM Joe Hortiz filled three key positions (running back, wide receiver, offensive line) and added depth during the opening wave of free agency with the April 24-26 draft looming.

Chargers, safety Tony Jefferson agree on a new 1-year contract
Jefferson, who came out of retirement to the team last season, is expected to be a backup for safeties Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman and Elijah Molden in 2025.

Chargers WR Mike Williams says homecoming ‘feels good’
“This is where it all started and I’m excited to be back,” he said of returning to the Chargers after a “terrible” last season with the Jets and Steelers.

Chargers reunite with free agent wide receiver Mike Williams
Williams, who spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the Chargers, agreed to a one-year contract reportedly worth up to $6 million for 2025.

Reports: Chargers agree with RB Najee Harris on a 1-year contract
Harris, 27, rushed for 1,000 yards or more in each of his four seasons with the Steelers and could provide a more durable option as the Chargers look to improve...

Chargers offseason primer: ‘Build, build, build, better, better, better, version 2.0’
A look at the Chargers’ offense, including returning starters, their pending free agents, salary cap issues and draft picks.

Chargers’ Joey Bosa named to Pro Bowl, replacing injured teammate Khalil Mack
Bosa and Mack teamed to help the Chargers become the NFL’s stingiest defense in 2024, giving up an average of only 17.7 points.

Chargers’ Khalil Mack reportedly to play 12th NFL season
The outside linebacker, set to become a free agent and uncertain about his future after the playoff loss to Houston, said his best chance to win was to re-sign.

Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh, Joe Hortiz pleased but not satisfied by 2024 results
“Build, build, build, better, better, better, 2.0,” Harbaugh says of his and Hortiz’s approach to the 2025 season, their second seasons with the Chargers.

Chargers review: Plenty of heavy lifting to do in order to reach elite level
The Chargers weren’t good enough on the day to defeat the Texans in their AFC wild-card game and advance to the next round.

Chargers get emotional after sudden ending to their season
“These guys worked it, man, these guys worked their (rear ends) off,” Chargers center Bradley Bozeman said. “They deserved more. That’s it."

Chargers melt down for another early playoff exit
In Jim Harbaugh's first postseason game with the Chargers, Justin Herbert throws a career-high four interceptions in a 32-12 AFC wild-card loss to the Texans.

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. named AFC Defensive Player of the Month
Over the final weeks of the regular season, the versatile Pro Bowler had 28 tackles, three sacks, seven tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Was Chargers WR Quentin Johnston’s catch vs. Chiefs a career-changer?
“The focus, the finish, hanging on to the ball, I thought that was a huge step in his career,” Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman says. “Just so impressive.”

Chargers QB Justin Herbert takes Jim Harbaugh’s hyperbole in stride
Harbaugh says Herbert’s to Ladd McConkey for a two-point conversion Sunday was a more difficult throw than Joe Montana’s legendary to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC title...

Chargers review: Are Justin Herbert and the offense peaking at right time?
Herbert completed 77 of 105 es (73.3%) for 911 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception in his last three games, all of them wins.

Chargers playoff primer: An early look at the Houston Texans
“Defensively really good against the run,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh says of the Texans. “They’re playing really well on the back end. C.J. Stroud is elite. They’ve got great playmakers.”

Chargers thump Raiders, set up wild-card matchup with Texans
An interception by Daiyan Henley late in the first half sets up go-ahead TD, as the Chargers clinch the fifth-seeded spot in the AFC playoffs with a 34-20 road win.

Chargers ignoring ‘ifs, ands and buts’ of AFC playoff scenarios
The Chargers could be the fifth or sixth seed, with much depending on the Bengals vs. Steelers on Saturday, but their goal is to beat the Raiders on Sunday.

Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders: Who has the edge?
What’s at stake, injuries, who’s better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper and prediction for Sunday, which might not factor into AFC playoff seedings.

Chargers take pride in being NFL’s stingiest defense
“It wasn’t like you had to change a bunch of guys’ attitudes and work ethic,” says coordinator Jesse Minter, whose defense gives up just 17.6 points per game.

Chargers’ Khalil Mack, Derwin James Jr., Rashawn Slater picked for Pro Bowl
Mack is selected for the ninth time in his stellar career, James for the fourth time and Slater for the second, as voted on by fans, players and coaches.

Chargers playing to win in regular-season finale against Raiders
“We’re not locked into a seed,” Coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We’re playing to move up. We’d love to be the fifth seed.” The Chargers, however, could be locked into the...

Chargers review: Playoffs were within sight starting way back in spring
“Guys came in with a mission to turn this thing around and make the playoffs this year, and we did,” center Bradley Bozeman says.

Chargers find themselves on the cusp of becoming a playoff team
Buoyed by last week’s comeback victory over the Broncos, the Chargers can clinch an AFC wild-card berth with a road win against New England on Saturday.

Chargers at New England Patriots: Who has the edge?
What’s at stake, injuries, who’s better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper and prediction for a likely cold and wet Gillette Stadium on Saturday.

Chargers’ RB room gets thin: Gus Edwards out, J.K. Dobbins questionable
An effective ground game could be crucial against the Patriots, with the forecast calling for a 75% chance of rain Saturday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert earns raves for ‘zero gravity throw’ vs. Broncos
“Have I seen a better one? Perhaps, but I don’t know if I have,” Roman said of the touchdown to Derius Davis in the Chargers’ 34-27 victory over Denver.

Ray Wersching gets a kick out of Chargers’ fair catch free kick
Cameron Dicker last week became the first NFL kicker to convert a free kick since Wersching did it while with the Chargers in 1976. The team brought Wersching to El...

Chargers review: The night QB Justin Herbert called game
The fifth-year quarterback might have completed the most impressive of his career to lead the Chargers past the Broncos and closer to a postseason berth.

Justin Herbert rallies Chargers past Broncos in big step toward postseason
Herbert throws two fourth-quarter touchdown es, Cameron Dicker makes the NFL’s first fair catch free kick in 48 years and the Chargers erase an 11-point deficit to all but guarantee...

Chargers’ response after Buccaneers’ loss is what matters Thursday vs. Broncos
Realistically, the Chargers need at least one victory in their final three games in order to turn an 87% chance of making the playoffs into a 100% chance, with each...

Chargers review: ‘There was a different vibe I haven’t felt with this group’
It wasn’t so much that the Chargers lost Sunday, it was the way they lost that was so troubling, according to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Justin Herbert’s streak without an interception ends in Chargers’ loss
“Unfortunately, that one got away from me,” Herbert says of his 357- streak coming to an end. “You play quarterback without fear. I’m going to take my shots downfield.”

Baker Mayfield throws 4 touchdowns as Buccaneers shred Chargers’ defense
After leading at halftime, the Chargers hit the lowest point of their largely encouraging first season under Coach Jim Harbaugh with a 40-17 loss that drops them to 8-6 and...

Chargers QB Justin Herbert sound enough to play vs. Buccaneers
“You’d have to kill him,” defensive lineman Morgan Fox said when asked what it would take for Herbert to sit out a game. The quarterback has been nursing a sprained...

Chargers QB Justin Herbert sits out practice with ankle and leg injuries
The Chargers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, and it remains to be determined if Herbert will play after he was banged up in the loss to Kansas City.

Chargers review: Last-second loss to Chiefs doesn’t hinder playoff chase
The Chargers have an 89% probability of advancing to the postseason as a wild-card team, and only two of their final four regular-season opponents have winning records (Tampa Bay and...

Chargers lose to Chiefs on last-second, bank-shot field goal
Justin Herbert and the Chargers' offense could only watch as Matthew Wright kicked a 31-yard field goal that caromed off the left upright and in as time expired in a...

How big is the Chargers’ clash with the Chiefs? Read Jim Harbaugh’s lips
Coach's brevity underscores the importance of the Chargers hitting the road and looking to end a six-game skid versus the two-time defending Super Bowl champs.

Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: Who has the edge?
What's at stake, injuries, who's better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper, prediction and what the Chargers need to do Sunday evening on the road.

Chargers’ worries about Chiefs showdown include crowd noise
This season, the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are 6-0 at home, 11-1 overall and No. 1 in the AFC, and their fan base is as vocal as ever.

Chargers’ offense has ‘a lot to clean up’ going into showdown with Chiefs
Lackluster results in a victory over the Falcons last weekend can’t be blamed on injuries, as was the case in the Chargers’ Week 4 loss to Kansas City.

Chargers rookie Tarheeb Still honored after ‘monster game’ vs. Falcons
Still is named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins twice on Sunday, returning one 61 yards for a third-quarter touchdown that proved to...

Chargers review: Improved offense key to Sunday night showdown with Chiefs
“Yeah, there were times that we weren't at our best offensively,” Coach Jim Harbaugh said after Sunday's win over the Falcons.

Chargers determined in bounce-back game versus Falcons
“You can’t get held up on one game. You’ve got to move on and make the most of your next opportunity,” OLB Joey Bosa says days after Monday's loss to...

Chargers at Atlanta Falcons: Who has the edge?
What's at stake, injuries, who's better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper, prediction and what the Chargers need to do in Sunday's game.

Chargers’ leading rusher J.K. Dobbins sidelined by sprained knee
Coach Jim Harbaugh couldn't say how long Dobbins might be sidelined or the severity of the injury, which he suffered during the team’s loss to the Ravens on Monday night.

Chargers review: Ravens loss is a harsh reality check
Playing good defense against the Saints, Browns and Titans was one thing, but good against Baltimore was something else entirely on Monday night at SoFi Stadium.

Derrick Henry steals spotlight as Ravens beat Chargers in Harbaugh Bowl III
The 6-foot-3, 247-pound running back rushes for 140 yards on 24 carries, often dragging tacklers along with him, as the Ravens end the Chargers’ four-game winning streak with a 30-23...

Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens: Who has the edge?
What’s at stake, injury updates, who’s better, key matchups to watch, TV info, a fantasy sleeper and a final score prediction for Monday night’s game at SoFi Stadium.

Chargers host Ravens in Harbaugh Bowl III, a game with lots of connections
NFL games have plenty of connections, but the Chargers’ Monday night game against the Ravens seems to have more than the usual number, starting with Coach Jim Harbaugh versus his...

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is ‘one of one’ and Chargers’ next big test
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter calls the Baltimore star “the most electric quarterback” in the history of the NFL ahead of Monday night’s game.

Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh embraces 3rd matchup with brother John
If it upsets Jim Harbaugh that he’s 0-2 against his brother, he wouldn’t say so on Wednesday. They will square off again Monday night when the Chargers host the Ravens...

Chargers build, blow, and regain lead in thrilling win over Bengals
J.K. Dobbins’ 29-yard touchdown with 18 seconds left lifts the Chargers to a 34-27 victory – their fourth in a row – after they blew all of their 21-point third-quarter...

Chargers’ next challenge is proving they’re ready for primetime
The Chargers are one of the league’s more compelling midseason stories as the Cincinnati Bengals come to town for a nationally televised Sunday night game.

Chargers list Khalil Mack as questionable to play again Sunday
The outside linebacker, who played just four snaps after being given the same designation with a groin injury last week, intends to play against the Bengals.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert inflicting damage ing and running
Time, rest and treatment for a sprained ankle have been vital to the quarterback getting healthy and again making key plays through the air and on the ground.

Chargers say Jesse Minter might become NFL head coach sooner than later
“Enjoy him while you’ve got him,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh says of the team’s defensive coordinator, whose unit is allowing a league-low 13.1 points per game.

Chargers review: Justin ‘Beast’ Herbert sparks victory over Titans
It was his running that lifted his teammates and the fans at SoFi Stadium to their feet, and not for the first time this season.

Chargers catch a break from video replay that wiped out Titans’ touchdown
Instead of a 20-yard fumble return for a touchdown, it was ruled to be just an incomplete by Justin Herbert.

Justin Herbert, Chargers thump Titans for 3rd consecutive victory
Herbert throws for a touchdown and runs for one as the Chargers (6-3) pull away in the second half to win for the fourth time in five games, 27-17. They...

Chargers face Titans with another chance to bury the past
The final three months of this season appear to be sunnier for the Chargers after last season's dreary finish.

Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans: Who has the edge?
What's at stake, injuries, who's better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper, prediction and what the Chargers need to do to win Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

Chargers list Khalil Mack as questionable versus Titans
The outside linebacker has been nursing a groin injury since playing in only about a third of the snaps in last week's victory over the Cleveland Browns

J.K. Dobbins finds himself at home with the Chargers
The running back, who signed a one-year contract in April after five years with the Ravens, has rushed for 620 yards and six touchdowns on 126 carries.

Chargers say they wanted to make deadline deal, but didn’t need to do one
“We like our guys,” Coach Jim Harbaugh says. “We like the players on this team and the direction this team is going.” Rookie Ladd McConkey’s emergence and Quentin Johnston’s return...

Chargers face Browns looking to solidify playoff contender status
'We’re only scratching the surface, we’ve only just begun, and I believe that,' offensive coordinator Greg Roman says going into Sunday's game in Cleveland

Chargers at Cleveland Browns: Who has the edge?
What's at stake, injuries, who's better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper, prediction and what the Chargers need to do in Sunday's road game

Chargers pleased but not satisfied by play of defense so far this season
“Doing some cool things,” outside linebacker Khalil Mack says of a unit that is allowing a league-low 13 points per game, “but just need to build on that and stack...

Is flexibility the Chargers’ actual offensive identity this season?
“It could be,” Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert says of their willingness to adjust on the fly week to week. “Yeah, it definitely could be. It could be doing everything (well).”

Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints: Who has the edge?
What’s at stake, injuries, who’s better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper and prediction for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Chargers looking to ease offensive frustration against reeling Saints
The Chargers have a 3-3 record and are averaging only 17.7 points per game, tied for 25th in the 32-team NFL

Chargers’ Joey Bosa grateful for his health and a return to lineup Sunday
“It’s been a tough, tough five weeks now, but I’m starting to come around. I had three really good days in a row,” the veteran outside linebacker says of a...

Upon further review, Jim Harbaugh wasn’t unhappy with Chargers’ play
“There were a lot of great plays,” Harbaugh said after a film-study session. following Monday’s loss to Arizona. “We made plays. You know, we played good. There were a lot...

Chargers review: They lack what they once had in Keenan Allen, Mike Williams
Quarterback Justin Herbert no longer has targets like Allen and Williams, two players GM Joe Hortiz jettisoned in order to get under the salary cap in March.

Chargers get the boot from Cardinals in last-second defeat
Cameron Dicker’s fifth field goal of the night gives the Chargers a one-point lead with 1:54 left, but Arizona’s Chad Ryland converts a 32-yard attempt as time expires to hand...

Chargers place defensive back Deane Leonard on injured reserve
Leonard, who also plays a key role on the Chargers’ special teams, has a nagging hamstring injury. Outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) sits out for the third straight game.

Chargers at Arizona Cardinals: Who has the edge?
What’s at stake, injuries, who’s better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper and prediction for Monday night’s game in Arizona.

Chargers set to expand playbook with healthier Justin Herbert
“The healthier he gets, the bigger the playbook expands,” Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman says of the quarterback, who has become more mobile as his sprained right ankle has improved.

‘Humble warrior’ Khalil Mack leads the Chargers’ stingy defense
“Khalil is that guy,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh says of the veteran linebacker. “He is that player. He’s phenomenal to be around on a daily basis.”

Chargers overcome Jim Harbaugh’s heart issue plus injuries to defeat Broncos
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had his best game of the season and the Chargers defense held Denver scoreless through three quarters.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh leaves sideline temporarily because of an illness
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter took over the coaching duties in the absence of Harbaugh.

Chargers and Broncos face off in battle of former Oregon quarterbacks
The Chargers’ Justin Herbert and Denver’s Bo Nix, who played against each other in college but weren’t teammates in Eugene, lead their teams in Sunday’s showdown.

Chargers at Denver Broncos: Who has the edge?
What’s at stake, injuries, who’s better, matchup to watch, TV info, fantasy sleeper, prediction and what the Chargers need to do to win Sunday’s AFC West game.