Chargers News: Bolts Backup Center Relishes Challenge Of Starting Role

In the absence of former two-time All-Pro center Corey Linsley, Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Will Clapp has been receiving starts at the center position.

Clapp is playing in his sixth pro season out of LSU. He was selected in the seventh round by his hometown New Orleans Saints in 2018.

The 27-year-old center spent his first four campaigns with the New Orleans Saints prior to signing with the Chargers in 2022.

Filling the extremely big shoes of Linsley is undoubtedly a challenge. However, Clapp is up for the task, as Eric Smith of Chargers.com explains:

"There's always stuff to get better at, but overall thought it was solid," Clapp said about his performance in Week 4. "Obviously, a couple things I'd like to clean up in the run game but always trying to improve."

Clapp's clear commitment to improving is a great sight to see as a Chargers fan. Taking away some little wins but understanding the challenges of his job and where he needs to get better reflects extremely well on Clapp's work ethic and future as a Charger.

Smith continued to explain that Head Coach Brandon Staley had great things to say about Clapp, calling him "really smart," with "toughness and experience... he's played quality football since he's gotten here. He's got really good command of our scheme, works well with others... he and Justin have good chemistry together."

Per Pro Football Focus, Clapp allowed just one pressure in Week 4, alongside no sacks or quarterback hits against a Raiders defense that shredded Packers quarterback Jordan Love this past Monday night.

With a tough challenge in a ferocious Dallas defense ahead, Clapp is going to need to be at the top of his game to protect the Chargers' most valuable asset.

In the long-term, Linsley, who is on the Non-Football Injury List with a "non-emergent, heart-related issue," has no timetable for return. While the loss is devastating for the Chargers, focusing more on Linsley's long-term health, as well as Clapp's improvement.

At just age 27, Clapp certainly has the potential to be a contributing member of the Bolts for a long time into the future.

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