Chargers tab Sam Tevi as Tyrod Taylor’s blind-side protector
Quarterback wasn’t the only open competition that never took place in training camp.
On Monday, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn unsurprisingly named Sam Tevi the starting left tackle for Sunday’s season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tevi was competing with second-year lineman Trey Pipkins, but Tevi received nearly every first-team snap during open training-camp practices.
“I thought he got better as camp went on,” Lynn said. “He’s moving to the left side. Sometimes that’s different for a guy when he’s used to drop stepping with one leg and putting one hand down, but I thought Sam got better as camp went on and I loved the way he finished camp.”
Tevi was the team’s starting right tackle the past two seasons. He has 30 career starts with 44 games played since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 draft.
Tevi’s experience likely gave him the heavy advantage over Pipkins. The same can be said for veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor in his not-so-competitive battle with rookie quarterback Justin Herbert.
The Chargers will have Taylor under center with Tevi protecting his blind side for at least Week 1 of the 2020 season.
“I thought Trey did some nice things in camp as well,” Lynn said, “but Sam Tevi is our starter right now.”
ONE LESS DISTRACTION
Lynn won’t have to worry about having a disgruntled star wide receiver during the regular season after the front office handed Keenan Allen a four-year, $80 million contract extension last week.
Lynn called Allen an unselfish player because of his stout blocking and praised him for his versatility as a slot receiver capable of playing on the outside.
“Heck of a slot receiver,” Lynn said. “We can play him all across the board, but to find a guy that can move inside the way he can at his height and weight is very rare. We can do some unique things with him in our offense, but Keenan is a heck of a football player.”
UNDECIDED AT SAFETY
The Chargers have many candidates vying for Derwin James’ strong safety spot, but Lynn wasn’t ready to name a starter Monday.
James was placed on season-ending injured reserve Saturday with a knee injury.
“We’re still looking at different combinations,” Lynn said.
Rayshawn Jenkins appears to be the frontrunner because of his past experience as a strong safety, but he’s currently the starting free safety. If Jenkins gets the new assignment, Nasir Adderley would likely play free safety.
The Chargers are also considering rookie strong safety Alohi Gilman and defensive back Desmond King.
Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said Sunday he’s fine with the team’s secondary depth and didn’t seem interested in adding a free-agent safety.
INJURY UPDATES
• Lynn said wide receiver Mike Williams might be a game-time decision for Sunday. He hasn’t practiced since injuring his right shoulder on Aug. 23. “He ran around (Monday),” Lynn said. “He looked good.”
• Lynn mentioned center Mike Pouncey is getting better, but declined to elaborate on his undisclosed injury. Pouncey has been limited in practices the past few weeks. He had season-ending neck surgery after Week 5 last year. The first injury report of the season will be released Wednesday.
• As for running back Justin Jackson, Lynn was more optimistic about him returning to practice this week. Jackson has been sidelined since exiting the team’s scrimmage on Aug. 30. Running back Austin Ekeler mentioned last week his teammate is dealing with a toe injury. “He’ll be fine,” Lynn said about Jackson. “He’s back running around today.”
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