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Camp Report: Harbaugh Outlines Plan for Bolts 1st Preseason Game

Camp Report 14

That's a wrap on Chargers open practices at The Bolt.

The Chargers held a 90-minute, non-padded session Thursday evening in the final summer practice in front of fans in El Segundo.

Next up? The Bolts preseason opener Saturday against the Seahawks at SoFi Stadium.

Here is the Chargers Camp Report from Thursday's practice:

1. Harbaugh's plan for Saturday

Jim Harbaugh will grace an NFL sideline for the first time as the Chargers Head Coach on Saturday night.

Even if it's just an exhibition game, a wide smile cross Harbaugh's face when he was asked what he was looking forward to the most.

"I just can't wait to watch our guys compete in the game and just to have at it," Harbaugh said. "That feeling doesn't get much better than that."

As for which players will suit up against Seattle, Harbaugh said the Bolts have a plan in place for that.

"Yeah, I have an idea of what starters will play, what starters won't play, how much some of the starters will play,' Harbaugh said. "We have a good plan, we have a good idea of that as of right now. We're ready to roll."

Harbaugh said stars such as Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack will obviously not play, a group that also includes running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Justin Herbert, of course, is still in a walking boot and will not play.

"There's a couple on each side of the ball. There's a few others that won't be playing," Harbaugh added.

Kickoff between the Chargers and Seahawks is at 4:05 p.m. (PT).

2. Stick shines at practice

As for the plan at quarterback, Harbaugh said Easton Stick will get the start. He will be followed by Max Duggan with Casey Bauman and Luis Perez also in line to see action.

"Easton is starting the game, I think somewhere around a quarter and a half," Harbaugh said. "20 to 30 plays is what's in my mind.

"Then Max will come in, and we'll be able to get Casey and Luis in there as well," Harbaugh added. "That's the plan."

Harbaugh had plenty of praise for the quarterbacks Thursday after the group looked noticeably sharper than they had in the past week or so.

Stick opened practice with a beautiful deep ball to Quentin Johnston for a 40-plus yard gain on the very first play of team drills. He followed up with a pass to Stone Smartt that picked up 20 yards or so before converting on third down to DJ Chark.

Stick later had a pair of touchdown passes to Simi Fehoko in the red zone, the second of which was an incredibly acrobatic grab in the corner of the end zone.

Duggan, Bauman and Perez also had their moments in what was one of the cleanest sessions of late.

"It was their practice, I thought, today. The quarterbacks, that group that's there now," Harbaugh said. "Really encouraging. In a lot of way, it was one of the best practices for the whole team."

Harbaugh noted the team added Perez earlier in the week to increase the competition level behind Stick, whom he felt wasn't being challenged with Herbert on the sideline.

3. Options at returner

Derius Davis did not participate in Thursday's practice.

And while it remains to be seen if the Bolts lethal returner will play Saturday, the Chargers will have other options if he is unable to go.

Jaelen Gill and Elijah Dotson spent time at both punt and kickoff returner on Thursday, with Jaret Patterson and Elijah Dotson also getting kickoff return reps.

Saturday will be the Bolts first live experience both covering and returning the NFL's altered kickoff format that was revamped this offseason.

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