COSTA MESA, Calif. — Chris Harris, Jr is the new kid coming to class. He’s ready for his first full training camp practice as a Los Angeles Charger.
What You Need To Know
- The L.A. Chargers held their first practice in pads Monday
- Chris Harris, Jr. signed with the team after spending nine seasons in Denver
- Players can't take field without knowing the results of their COVID-19 tests
- It's still unknown if fans will be allowed to attend games at the new Sofi Stadium
“I got lost in the building a couple of times, trying to find my way around,” Harris said.
He may be new to the powder blue, but he’s no stranger to NFL camp. The nine-year veteran comes to L.A. from the team’s division rival, the Denver Broncos.
Although this year is different due to COVID-19, Monday was the first day players practiced with full contact and tackling since the outbreak of the pandemic.
“We get tested every day and we get the results before we come out to practice, I think,” Harris explained. “So to be able to get those results, know that everybody’s good when you go out to practice, that’s what makes me secure, knowing everybody’s tested.”
Because of all the protocols, Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn — who has already had COVID-19 — is not worried.
“It’s full steam ahead, we’re not worried about the virus or anything. Our focus is on football and trying to get better today,” said Lynn.
For Harris and his new teammates, things seem pretty normal — though there are no fans at camp for the first time, a glimpse into what the season will probably look like.
“It’s definitely different. We always love having the fans here,” he added. “You kind of get used to practice but when we get to a game, if it’s quiet, if we have to go that route, definitely gonna be different. It’s gonna be hard.”
It’s a new world for football in a pandemic, but on the field Harris feels right at home, even if he is the new kid at camp.