T
he Los Angeles Chargers are getting ready to wrap up their preseason and begin their quest for a Super Bowl when they open the season against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 5. Coming off of an 11-6 season in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s first season in charge, the Chargers are eager to build off of that and go on an even deeper postseason run.
Earlier in camp, the Chargers dealt with a whole slew of injuries, with none more notable than left tackle, Rashawn Slater, suffering a torn patellar tendon that will keep him out the entire season. But the Chargers were also missing free agent signee, Mekhi Becton, who had been out of practice due to an undisclosed injury. But on August 20, Becton returned to practice– putting him on track to be ready for Week One.
Becton’s Return
With Slater out, the Chargers had massive holes to fill along the line throughout the duration of camp. But Becton’s return is a big boost for a team who is looking to take another step forward on offense. Signing a two-year deal with the Chargers this offseason and slated to be the starting right guard, Becton has not practiced with the team yet, but has done stretching and individual drills over the last few days leading up to his return.
It was great to see him out there engaging with everybody,” Chargers offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, said. “He’s been taking part in walkthroughs, which has been critical. But he’s coming along and it was great to have him out there. He brings a great presence to the group. And a big, physical presence, too. He’s working his way through it. Onwards and upwards.”
Roman also added that Becton has been working very hard with Chargers Executive Director of Player Performance, Ben Herbert, so that he can return healthy and as good as he was before he went down.
Will Becton Be Ready for Week One?
Even though it is very late into training camp and he has yet to practice, the Chargers are confident that Becton will get back into the swing of things quickly and be ready in time for the season opener against the Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil.
“He’s been working with ‘Herb,’ doing a great job there, fully committed,” Roman said. “You can really see those guys building a great relationship, which I think will be really beneficial for Mekhi, his future. Whatever time we have, we will use it. I think he will be good to go.”
While Becton was out, four-year veteran Jamaree Salyer took the first team reps at right guard, lining up with fellow starters Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman and Trey Pipkins. Now, the Chargers get back as big piece who they hope is their key to the offense unlocking a new level.
Chargers Get Mekhi Becton Back at Practice