5 questions facing the Chargers in training camp

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The San Diego Chargers enter the 2015 season looking to get back to the playoffs and take the next step in emerging as a true AFC contender.

While the necessary talent is in place throughout the roster, including the presence of a veteran signal-caller that has proven to be more than capable of putting the team on his back as needed, the Chargers aren't without their share of concerns.

Here are five questions facing the Chargers heading into camp.

Will Rivers' future be addressed?

Philip Rivers' contract situation has yet to be addressed heading into the 2015 season, tentatively leaving the five-time Pro Bowler in line to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

As unlikely as that scenario may be in the end, with the Chargers still having the option of the franchise tag as a last resort, a star quarterback entering a contract year without a new deal in place is extremely rare.

Rivers remains the leader of the team and the key to its chance of getting back to the playoffs after a one-year absence, and a looming contract situation has the potential to impact his play.

Whether the organization has eyes on relocating to Los Angeles or not, the Chargers should be doing everything in their power to ensure their quarterback remains with the club for the rest of his playing career.

Can Gordon carry the load right away?

Melvin Gordon was one of two running backs to come off the board in the first round of this year's draft, and with that premium selection comes an expectation that he'll waste little time in earning the feature role in San Diego's backfield.

The 22-year-old joins the Chargers after an incredibly productive college career at Wisconsin, highlighted by a 2014 season in which he posted an unbelievable 2,587 rushing yards.

His ability as a runner should certainly put him in position for an early-down role from day one, but making improvements as a pass blocker and receiver would go a long way toward maximizing his value.

Those finer points of the running back position will be a focus for Gordon during training camp and throughout the preseason, and any progress made would be reflected in his ability to earn an every-down role as a rookie.

Has the offensive line improved?

Improving the offensive front was a focus of the Chargers' offseason, and the team appears to have done so by turning to the free-agent market.

Orlando Franklin now joins San Diego after spending four seasons with the division-rival Denver Broncos, and Joe Barksdale comes aboard on the heels of the most productive year of his career in St. Louis.

The two veteran linemen give the Chargers key additions at left guard and right tackle, respectively, with the latter potentially allowing third-year lineman D.J. Fluker to slide inside to a right guard spot that could better suit his abilities.

Early returns should indicate whether the Chargers have finally put together a line capable of protecting and taking pressure off Rivers in the pocket, as the new-look group will have to come together as a cohesive unit in training camp.

Who steps in for Gates?

Antonio Gates will miss the first four games of the season after being suspended for a violation of the NFL's performance enhancing drug policy, leaving the Chargers without their most reliable target in the passing game.

Gates, 35, may now be approaching the end of his playing career, but his 821-yard, 12-touchdown 2014 campaign demonstrated he's still more than capable of being a consistent playmaker in San Diego's offensive attack.

The Chargers will be relying on Ladarius Green to step into a starting role and finally make good on his intriguing athletic ability.

The 25-year-old managing to do so would give Rivers a middle-of-the-field target to lean on for the first month of the season, while struggling to take on a more extensive role would have Gates' absence appear all the more significant.

Can the corners stay healthy?

Brandon Flowers, Jason Verrett, and free-agent addition Patrick Robinson give the Chargers a strong group of cornerbacks to work with on the back end, potentially allowing the unit to match up with some of the league's most potent passing offenses.

The depth behind the starting group, however, could present an issue if injuries were to hit as they did last season.

Verrett showcased starting-caliber talent as a rookie early on, but a shoulder injury that brought an end to his season after only six games left the group with little outside of Flowers, who dealt with multiple ailments of his own.

Should the starters be able to avoid injuries this season, there's no reason why the defense can't build upon a 2014 campaign in which it finished as the league's fourth-ranked unit against the pass.