Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu didn't participate in practice Wednesday to start training camp, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper.
His absence came hours after head coach Jim Harbaugh said he believed Tuipulotu would suit up. Tuipulotu is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
"It's a matter we're handling internally," a Chargers spokesperson told Popper when asked about Tuipulotu's contract situation.
The two sides have reportedly been engaged in extension discussions throughout the offseason.
The 23-year-old signed a four-year, $6.5-million deal when he was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft. Will Anderson Jr., who was taken third overall in that draft, became the highest-paid pass-rusher in NFL history via average annual salary this offseason after signing a three-year, $150-million extension in April.
Tuipulotu is coming off a career year in which he recorded 23 quarterback hits, 20 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks. His 70 pressures ranked 11th across the league, according to TruMedia.
Tuipulotu has posted 144 tackles and 26 sacks across 50 games since entering the league.
