AFC West Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Chargers

Chargers first-round DT Jerry Tillery has been limited so far this summer as he recovers from a shoulder injury. However, the rookie recently was able to practice in pads for the first time and reportedly “flashed” his potential. 

“We’re just trying to bring him along at a good pace here and see how he handles each day and how he’s responding,” Chargers DC Gus Bradley said via Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times. “When you talk to him, he feels like he was ready awhile ago. We’re just making sure we’re bringing him along [slowly].”

• Chargers GM Tom Telesco said the team is still in contact with RB Melvin Gordon as he continues his holdout: “We still have contact with them. Look, I think we’ve got a — especially since I’ve been here — a long history of paying our players, rewarding our own players. And that’s our philosophy — to draft, develop them as football players and re-sign them.” (Eric Williams)
• As of Monday, there was “nothing at all” in terms of contract progress between Gordon and the team, though the Chargers did reach out to Gordon to say “he’s still missed & still family.” (Josina Anderson)
• While Los Angeles was happy with the efficiency of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson in the preseason opener, they still view Gordon “as our#1.”

Chiefs

Chiefs sixth-round RB Darwin Thompson got a look with the first-team offense during goal-line drills in practice Tuesday. While at first that might seem like an unusual role for the 5-8, 200-pound rookie, Thompson displayed his strength as a ball carrier in a strong performance in the Chiefs’ preseason opener. 

“He’s a strong runner,” Chiefs RB coach Deland McCullough said of Thompson, per ESPN’s Adam Teicher. “He’s got a great center of gravity. He’s a guy that can get skinny and get up through some holes, too. More importantly, he’s done some things to warrant that opportunity to get some reps with the (starters). He showed some flashes in the last game. The staple of what he’ll be is how he continues to build. Thus far, I’ve been very happy.”

Raiders

• According to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Raiders G Jordan Devey continued to see snaps at first-team right guard in place of injured G Gabe Jackson. 
• Gehlken says G Richie Incognito continued to work with the first team at left guard, but the team would likely start phasing in G Jonathan Cooper soon given Incognito’s two-game suspension to start 2019. 
• Gehlken notes it’s safe to write down Darren Waller, Derek Carrier and fourth-round rookie Foster Moreau as roster locks at tight end. 
• Raiders fourth-round DE Maxx Crosby continued to sit out practice following surgery on his fractured hand. He won’t play Thursday in Oakland’s second preseason game against the Cardinals. (Gehlken)
• Raiders FB Keith Smith passed his physical and was activated from the non-football injury list. (Gehlken)