Chargers prepare for season opener against Cardinals on Sunday

The Los Angeles Chargers host the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday to open their 2026 season. Jim Harbaugh returns to head the team, debuting a new offensive scheme coordinated by Mike McDaniel. The Chargers expect to field offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt together for the first time since the 2024 postseason, aiming to protect quarterback Justin Herbert. Defensively, the team looks to leverage a pass rush featuring Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Akheem Mesidor against a Cardinals offensive line led by Elijah Wilkinson. Arizona enters the matchup with uncertainty at running back as rookie Jeremiyah Love remains limited in practice with an ankle injury, while veteran James Conner remains on injured reserve.

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