The Chargers are taking a business trip to Carolina this weekend as they look to improve to 2-0 on the young season.
But the Bolts won't be flying home Sunday evening as they usually would.
Instead, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has elected to keep his team in Charlotte for the week ahead of another East Coast game in Week 3 at Pittsburgh.
"I think it's a great time to do it. It's not the most ideal thing," Harbaugh said. "I'm sure everybody would rather be sleeping in their own beds in their own house."
He later added: "There's no reason why we can't have some fun. Bring the board games and the snacks. It's a team that enjoys each other's company, too, from what I've noticed. I think there's multiple positives we can get out of it."
The most obvious reason why Harbaugh has chosen to set up base camp in Charlotte is the three-hour time difference between there and the West Coast.
The Bolts will fly to Carolina on Friday so they can get adjusted to the time zone and be ready for Sunday's 1 p.m. (ET) kickoff, which is 10 a.m. back home.
"The 1 o'clock Eastern time kickoff really necessitates — that's 10 o-clock our time — getting acclimated to that," Harbaugh said. "Plus, the 20 or so hours of travel time."
The flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte is just over 2,400 miles. If the Bolts were to fly there and back, and then fly to Pittsburgh and back next weekend, they would rack up nearly 10,000 air miles.
Instead, the team will fly to Charlotte, then Pittsburgh and eventually back home for a total of roughly 5,300 miles.
Count Rashawn Slater as a player who is in favor of less travel.
"I'm really excited about it," Slater said. "If you look at it from a football standpoint with recovery, routine, schedule, it allows us to be a lot more settled in rather than having to go back and forth.
"You don't want to be in a rush, especially for a 1 o'clock (ET) kickoff both times," Slater added.
Travel plans aside, there is also the chance for the Bolts to bond even more in the early part of the 2024 season.
"We get to be all together again for a whole week, almost a la training camp-type of style," Harbaugh said. "Definitely some team bonding to be had in that kind of environment where we're all together."
Yes, expect the Chargers to bring plenty of board games. Players in the locker room said games of Settlers of Catan and chess will be in high demand.
Harbaugh said chess would be his own game of choice. Slater has him covered.
"I brought my chess set just in case," Slater said. "We're going to have some games."
Is the Chargers star left tackle any good?
"I can hang," Slater said with a sly smile.
Check out the best photos from Thursday's practice of Week 2 at The Bolt in El Segundo.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Justin Herbert gave Slater more credit than that as Slater was the first player the quarterback mentioned when asked who on the team was good.
Slater relented a little when told of Herbert's assessment.
"Probably compared to these guys but not in a real environment," Slater said.
Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman quipped that he'll probably just stay in his own lane when it comes to board games.
"I know there's going to be some board games going on," Roman said. "I'll probably be watching film. Maybe on Sunday night … I'll bust out a chess game."
All in all, Chargers players and coaches said they're looking forward to team bonding at a time in the season that's hard to come by.
"Training camp vibes, we get the guys around," Derwin James, Jr. said. "I told them I'm leaving my fam back home so I get to bond with y'all more. It's going to be fun."
Roman added: "But it's a lot of fun and really good team bonding time. Everyone is around each other and gets to know each other better. We had some really good experiences in the past and looking forward to this one."
Harbaugh is no stranger to these types of trips as he did them when he was the 49ers Head Coach back in the day.
But this experience, so early in his first season in powder blue, has a chance to bring his squad even closer as they continue their journey ahead in 2024.
"I think it'll be awesome," Herbert said. "It's a great opportunity, just like training camp, where it's going out there and focusing just on football.
"Coach Harbaugh was telling us his mindset behind staying over there for back-to-back East Coast games," Herbert added. "We're going to bring some board games, bring some football …and keep [it] moving."
