The Los Angeles Chargers will begin their preseason slate without their star quarterback, Justin Herbert.
The franchise quarterback is healthy and fully active in training camp.
However, head coach Jim Harbaugh and the coaching staff have simply decided to keep him on the sidelines as a precautionary measure heading into the new season.
According to Harbaugh, the decision was made with the bigger picture in mind: protecting one of the team’s most valuable assets.
Instead, Harbaugh has officially confirmed who will take the first snaps under center for the Chargers in the upcoming Hall of Fame Game: Trey Lance.
Lance, who was acquired in April on a one-year contract worth $6.2 million, is one of Harbaugh‘s hopefuls.
“He’s had a heck of a camp … I just want to get Trey Lance game experience. With his career and then in college, he doesn’t have as much as most guys,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh‘s decision also puts Lance ahead of veteran Taylor Heinicke as the Chargers’ starter in the preseason opener, who will remain on the roster as an emergency quarterback, available only if needed.
The Chargers are preparing to face the Detroit Lions in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, an early exhibition that often sees teams rest key starters.
Veteran resting ends door opening for young QB
Lance, who joins the Chargers after stints with the 49ers and Cowboys, has seen limited action since entering the league.
As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, his professional career has been defined more by setbacks than by opportunity.
He has appeared in just 12 games, making five starts, and has amassed only moderate production: 1,063 passing yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions, along with 276 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Lance‘s opportunity in Canton marks a crucial audition. Harbaugh emphasized the importance of seeing how Lance performs with actual game reps, particularly because live snaps remain scarce on his résumé.
A strong showing could elevate Lance‘s status in a quarterback room led by Herbert and deepen the team’s contingency options.
Meanwhile, Herbert continues to lead the team as its franchise signal-caller. Harbaugh has spoken openly about Herbert‘s elite talent, proclaiming: “Do not change a thing about Justin Herbert”, and affirming a long-term goal of guiding him toward the Hall of Fame.
Despite Herbert being sidelined for this friendly, the move underscores the Chargers‘ depth at the position and their interest in nurturing future contributors.
The Hall of Fame Game also has symbolic significance-it kicks off the preseason series and is tied to the ceremony inducting notables such as Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe.
Despite Herbert‘s absence, the game still offers other players, including rookies, a chance to shine as the Chargers map out their depth chart heading into the regular season.
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