Trevor Penning's Integration into the Los Angeles Chargers Line

Since joining the Los Angeles Chargers via trade earlier this month, offensive tackle Trevor Penning has been working tirelessly to integrate himself into the team’s offensive line—a process that involves learning new schemes, building chemistry with teammates, and adjusting to the Chargers’ style of play. For Penning, a former first-round pick who struggled to find consistency with the New Orleans Saints, this integration is more than just a football task; it’s a chance to reboot his NFL career and prove he can be a reliable contributor for a franchise with championship aspirations. For the Chargers, Penning’s successful integration is key to shoring up offensive line depth, protecting quarterbacks (both Easton Stick now and Justin Herbert next season), and strengthening a unit that has been a weak spot in recent years. Trevor Penning's Integration into the Los Angeles Chargers Line breaks down the steps Penning has taken to fit in, the challenges he’s faced, and how his progress is being viewed by coaches, teammates, and fans.

Trevor Penning's Integration into the Los Angeles Chargers Line begins with the initial learning phase—a crash course in the Chargers’ offensive scheme that started the moment Penning arrived in Los Angeles. Unlike the Saints’ more run-heavy offensive approach, the Chargers’ system emphasizes a balance of passing and running plays, with specific techniques for offensive linemen that prioritize quick decision-making and precise footwork. Penning has spent hours studying film with Chargers offensive line coach Brendan Nugent, reviewing playbooks, and participating in one-on-one drills to refine his understanding of blocking assignments. “The first week was all about absorbing as much as possible,” Penning said in a recent interview. “Coach Nugent has been great—he breaks down the scheme in a way that’s easy to understand, and he’s patient when I have questions. The terminology is different from what I’m used to, so I’ve been taking notes constantly and even reviewing plays at home after practice.” Nugent, who has a track record of developing young linemen, has focused on Penning’s strengths—his size (6-foot-7, 325 pounds) and strength—while helping him improve on areas like penalty reduction and pass protection consistency. Early signs are positive: Penning has already memorized most of the base blocking schemes and has been able to execute them correctly in walkthroughs and non-contact drills.

A critical part of Penning’s integration is building chemistry with his fellow offensive linemen—a process that extends beyond the practice field and into team meetings, meals, and casual interactions. Offensive line play relies heavily on trust and communication; linemen need to anticipate each other’s moves, call out defensive shifts, and work in sync to create running lanes or protect the quarterback. Penning has made a deliberate effort to connect with veterans like center Corey Linsley and left tackle Rashawn Slater, asking for advice on everything from scheme nuances to how to handle specific defensive linemen. “The guys have been really welcoming,” Penning said. “Corey took me aside on my first day and walked me through how we communicate pre-snap. Rashawn has shared tips on dealing with fast edge rushers, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past. It’s not just about football—we’ve grabbed lunch a few times, and that helps you feel more comfortable around each other on the field.” The chemistry-building is paying off in practice: during a recent team drill, Penning and right guard Zion Johnson successfully executed a combo block to take down a defensive tackle, creating a gap for running back Austin Ekeler to gain 10 yards. Linsley, who has been with the Chargers since 2021, noted that Penning’s work ethic has made the integration smoother. “Trevor comes to practice ready to work every day, and he’s not afraid to ask questions,” Linsley said. “That’s the kind of attitude that makes it easy for the rest of us to accept him as part of the group.”

A key aspect of Trevor Penning's Integration into the Los Angeles Chargers Line is his on-field performance in practice and limited game action—moments that have allowed the Los Angeles Chargers to evaluate his progress and adjust his role. Penning has primarily worked as a backup swing tackle in practices, rotating in at both left and right tackle to gain experience in different positions. In the Chargers’ most recent practice, he took reps with the second-team offense against the first-team defense, holding his own against defensive end Joey Bosa (a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher) in several one-on-one matchups. While Bosa won a few reps with quick moves, Penning successfully blocked him on three consecutive plays, using his strength to push Bosa back and create space for the running back. “Trevor’s making progress every day,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said after practice. “He’s starting to understand how we want to block in different situations, and he’s getting more comfortable with the speed of our practice. For the Los Angeles Chargers, having a swing tackle who can play both sides is invaluable, especially with the playoffs (in future seasons) in mind. Penning’s ability to adapt to both left and right tackle gives us flexibility if someone gets injured.” Penning also saw limited game action in the Chargers’ recent loss to the Denver Broncos, playing 12 snaps at right tackle in the fourth quarter. While he didn’t allow any sacks or pressures, he did commit a holding penalty— a reminder that there’s still work to do. Still, coaches viewed the appearance as a positive step in his integration.

Another challenge in Penning’s integration is adjusting to the Chargers’ culture and expectations—a shift that has required him to adapt to a new way of doing things both on and off the field. The Chargers pride themselves on a culture of accountability, where players are expected to take ownership of their mistakes and work to improve them. For Penning, who faced criticism in New Orleans for penalties and inconsistent play, this culture has been both a challenge and a motivator. “In New Orleans, the expectations were high, but here it’s different—everyone holds each other accountable,” Penning said. “If I make a mistake in practice, a teammate will pull me aside and say, ‘Let’s fix that.’ It’s not negative; it’s about making each other better. That’s something I really appreciate.” The Chargers’ front office has also set clear expectations for Penning: focus on reducing penalties (he had 18 flags in 2023 with the Saints), improve pass protection, and contribute as a reliable backup this season with an eye toward a larger role in 2025. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s ability to embrace this culture is just as important as his on-field skills. “We don’t just want players who can play football—we want players who fit our culture,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “Trevor has shown that he’s willing to put in the work and buy into what we’re building here. That’s a big part of his integration success.”

Wrapping up Trevor Penning's Integration into the Los Angeles Chargers Line is the long-term vision for Penning—and how his successful integration could shape the future of the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line. With Justin Herbert set to return from surgery next season, the Chargers are focused on building an offensive line that can keep their franchise quarterback healthy and protected. Right tackle Trey Pipkins III is set to become a free agent after this season, and Penning is viewed as a potential long-term replacement if he continues to progress. “Trevor has the tools to be a starting tackle in this league,” Nugent said. “If he keeps working on his technique and reduces his penalties, there’s no reason he can’t compete for a starting spot next year. For the Los Angeles Chargers, that would be a huge win—we’d be getting a young, talented player at a key position without having to use a high draft pick.” Fans are also optimistic about Penning’s future: social media has been filled with positive reactions to his practice performances, with many hoping he can become a staple of the offensive line for years to come. While there’s still work to do—Penning needs more game reps and must continue to refine his skills—his integration so far has been a success story. Trevor Penning's Integration into the Los Angeles Chargers Line ultimately shows that with the right coaching, support, and work ethic, a player can reboot his career and become a valuable part of a team’s future. For Penning and the Chargers, this integration is just the beginning of what they hope will be a long and productive partnership.