Canada's Palmer emerging as bigger threat in Chargers' offense

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — The momentum Joshua Palmer built up last season with the Los Angeles Chargers has continued through the first two weeks of training camp.

Palmer has emerged as the team’s third wide receiver for when the regular season opens on Sept. 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders. After being drafted in the third round last year, Palmer showed consistency over the final five games, with 18 of his 33 receptions and three of his four touchdowns coming during that span.

"I feel like I’ve learned a lot more, just at the receiver position,” Palmer said. “Within the offense, it’s slowing down because I know where players have to be. Now, it’s just the little things of where you have to end up.”

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Palmer’s development late last season opened many eyes. Palmer’s confidence improved once it seemed like the offense had become second nature to him.

“Your first year, as the offense gets installed, there’s a volume aspect that can overwhelm a rookie. I think that part, he’s through that hurdle so that he can really go out and play fast,” Lombardi said. “He’s another guy we keep saying I think we can get involved more.”

It also doesn’t hurt that Palmer frequently worked out with Keenan Allen during the offseason and watched plenty of video of Allen’s first nine seasons in the league.

Before Tuesday’s practice, Palmer showed Allen a play from 2018 and asked him what he was thinking when making a particular release off the line.

“I’m looking for how he gets off the ball, how he releases, his top of the route, his in-between the route. It’s pretty much unmatchable,” Palmer said. “If I could get as close as possible, I’ll be good. Just add it to my game and what I have."

Palmer also said