Below are three takeaways from Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback Justin Herbert and others following Wednesday's media availability:
Bolts stand pat at trade deadline
Despite speculation from pundits, it was a quiet trade deadline in El Segundo.
The NFL trade deadline came and went, with the Bolts opting to stand pat and move forward with the group they have.
Overall, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh expressed confidence with the players they have in the building as they head into this second stretch of the season.
"I didn't see, and I don't think Joe saw, where we needed a player at any position group," Harbaugh said Wednesday. "We love the guys and feel great at every position group."
Harbaugh later added: "If Joe wants somebody, then let Batman do his work. Competitors would be welcome."
A big reason? The trust in the guys already in the building.
At 5-3 and right in the middle of the AFC playoff race nine weeks in, the Bolts have had contributions from a number of different players, both rookies and veterans, so far.
And it's led to one of the top defenses in the league and a steadily improving offense as well.
Everyone in the building continues to remain confident in the way the team is rolling.
"The proof is in the pudding that we like our guys," Harbaugh said. "We like the players on this team and the direction this team is going."
Quarterback Justin Herbert added: "I think they have complete faith in us and trust in us. We've got the right guys out there, the right pieces. We certainly feel like we're moving in the right direction."
Not to mention, the Bolts should be getting some players back soon as well.
Wide receiver DJ Chark was activated off Injured Reserve over the weekend. With his return imminent it could be a big boost to a receiver room that has been playing some of their best ball in recent weeks.
Even at a position like cornerback, it has seen the rise of rookie fifth-rounders Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart that have the Bolts confident in that group as it gets guys back soon.
"Concur," Harbaugh said about the young corners helping that mindset. "Agree."
Linebacker Daiyan Henley and safety Elijah Molden both said it's not really something players think about or focus on.
But it does send an impactful message to the belief the team has in the group on the roster and what they can accomplish with it.
"It's not something we really focus on," Henley said. "We let the dudes upstairs focus on that because they know what they're doing.
"What we have here is something that we're trying to build on," Henley added.
Molden added: "We like the guys we got, and I think it's reflected in nothing happening."
Chargers open Edwards' 21-day practice window
The Bolts on Wednesday opened Gus Edwards' 21-day practice window.
The Chargers running back, who has missed the past four games with an ankle injury, was limited in Wednesday's practice.
Edwards said he was unsure if he will play against the Titans but added he feels "100 [percent].
"We're just going to go through a week of practice," Edwards added. "I don't expect to be limited the whole week."
Edwards admitted the injury was a tough one for him to deal with but he hopes to eventually provide a boost to the Bolts run game.
"Very frustrating. You always want to be out there, but everything happens for a reason," Edwards said. "Coming back, fresh legs at a time where a lot of teams are wearing down. Got to use it to the best."
The Chargers did not active the 21-day window for cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr., who is dealing with a shoulder injury.
"Nothing new to report on that one," Harbaugh said.
The Bolts also placed two players on Injured Reserve on Wednesday in wide receiver Simi Fehoko and linebacker Junior Colson.
Harbaugh said he expects both players to return later this season.
"Most likely … each of them would be probably back as soon as the window opens for them to be back," Harbaugh added.
Harbaugh also noted that wide receiver Brenden Rice, who is on IR, is also expected back at some point this season.
Finally, Harbaugh expressed hope that wide receiver DJ Chark would make his team debut on Sunday.
"Last week he was doing a pitch count per [practice] period," Harbaugh said. "This week it's supposed to go up."
Apple making strong early impression
The story of the Chargers season so far has been the number of players that have stepped up due to injuries and their ability to continue the high-level play.
Sunday in Cleveland was no different.
This time it was veteran cornerback Eli Apple, who was elevated from the practice squad, that saw a big role playing 34 defensive snaps against the Browns.
With Samuel and Deane Leonard on Injured Reserve and Kristian Fulton out, the Bolts called upon the former first-round pick for a heavy workload when Ja'Sir Taylor exited the game — and he delivered.
"He played good," Harbaugh said about Apple. "Probably would have had an interception the way he covered a slant route, but it got tipped.
"Getting in there, seeing his first action, you can predict now the more acclimated he gets to the system, the better he's going to be as well," Harbaugh added. "Very pleased."
The nine-year veteran was signed to the practice squad in mid-October and has been continuously working in Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter's defense during the week.
He finished Sunday with the team's third-highest Pro Football Focus coverage grade (76.9), trailing only Derwin James, Jr., and Still.
Harbaugh credited Hortiz and the personnel department for their continued work in bringing in the right guys, as well as praised the work from some of the defensive coaches that have had a lot to do with the success despite the rotating cast.
"I gave a game ball to [safeties coach] Chris O'Leary and to [defensive backs coach] Steve Clinkscale this past game for the amount of change we've had in the secondary," Harbaugh said. "Different players, all new this season. Either they're new to the Chargers or new to those two coaches.
"One to Jesse too, cause just phenomenal. Those different pieces," Harbaugh added. "Anybody that comes into secondary has the great example of Derwin James. He's completely infectious."
Molden, who jumped right into the Bolts in a similar fashion right before the season, echoed Harbaugh's sentiments.
The safety said the coaching staff has allowed players like himself, Apple and others who have stepped up, continue the defensive performances the group has put together in the first half of the year.
"Definitely the coaches," Molden said. "At the end of the day, defenses are similar around the league just like how offenses are similar… It's the way that it's taught, and they do a great job simplifying everything."
