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The Chargers hosted their final practice of the first week of training camp early Saturday evening, drawing a packed crowd under the setting sun in El Segundo.
Some takeaways from Day 4:
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Harbaugh mum on status of Slater
(John McCoy / Associated Press)
All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater left practice early Friday, heading into the facilities with athletic trainers, and didn’t participate Saturday, roaming the sideline in a shirt and shorts.
Slater was one of many starters, including Khalil Mack, J.K. Dobbins and Joshua Palmer, who left practice Friday, but he was the only one held out Saturday.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said he planned to relieve the starters from workouts periodically during camp to minimize wear and tear. It also will allow the backups and players fighting for roster spots to get more reps.
The Chargers’ defense is beginning to take shape, with the linebacking corps, anchored by All-Pros Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, standing out Friday.
Harbaugh said Slater informed the staff he was dealing with an issue during practice and wanted to continue. Despite his preference, the staff chose to take him out of practice.
Harbaugh did not elaborate on the issue bothering Slater, saying only, “He’s working through something.”
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McConkey impresses
Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is starting to develop to develop a strong connection with quarterback Justin Herbert.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey started integrating himself into the offense during the first week of camp. The Justin Herbert-McConkey connection is becoming more evident.
On Saturday, McConkey continued to impress with his route running and catches, making a spectacular grab while blanketed by defenders in the back of the end zone.
Harbaugh highlighted McConkey’s route running and ability to accelerate.
“He’s been really good and dialed in from the beginning,” Harbaugh said.
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‘Dicker the Kicker’ shows off his leg
(John McCoy / Associated Press)
Placekicker Cameron Dicker, affectionately known as “Dicker the Kicker,” looks to continue the success of his first full season with the Chargers, during which he finished near the top of the league in field goal accuracy and was perfect in extra points.
Dicker showed off his leg strength and pinpoint accuracy as the team focused more on the kicking unit Saturday. He was perfect on all his kicks, earning oohs and aahs from the crowd as he split the uprights from longer distances.
