The Los Angeles Chargers have confirmed that their rookie quarterback, Trey Lance, will be named the starter for their preseason opener against the Detroit Lions at the annual NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. This decision was announced by head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is entering his second season as the head coach in Los Angeles. Lance, the third overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, has faced challenges in his early NFL career and is now being given an opportunity to gain more experience.
Harbaugh, who also previously coached the San Francisco 49ers, said that Lance will take snaps into the third quarter of the game. This move allows the team to evaluate his performance under game conditions. The Hall of Fame Game is a traditional event in the NFL calendar, coinciding with the induction of the latest class of inductees. It also gives teams an additional chance to assess their rosters and prepare for the regular season.
Lance, who has been with the Chargers since the end of the 2023 season, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys where he spent two years before being signed with the Chargers. He was considered a healthy scratch in most games during his time with the Cowboys, though he did start one game following injuries to Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. This year, the quarterback finished with 266 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
Comeback candidate DJ Uiagalelei, the former Clemson quarterback, is expected to relieve Lance in the second half of the game, as many franchises choose to bench their starters in the first preseason contest. Justin Herbet, the team’s starting quarterback, will sit out the game as is customary. The Chargers’ preseason schedule includes four games, one more than the rest of the NFL.
The annual Hall of Fame Game is a highlight of the NFL preseason calendar, offering teams a chance to test their depth and evaluate young players. For the Chargers, it’s an opportunity to get to know their new quarterback better and gauge his readiness for the upcoming season. Harbaugh’s decision to start Lance reflects the coach’s support for the player’s development, despite the challenges he has faced in his early NFL career.
As the Chargers continue to build their quarterback room, the preseason games will play a critical role in shaping their strategy for the upcoming regular season. With Lance starting and Uiagalelei expected to come in, the team is giving its quarterbacks a chance to showcase their skills and compete for the starting role. The Hall of Fame Game will also provide fans with an opportunity to see how the team is progressing and adapting to the challenges of the NFL.
As the NFL season approaches, the Chargers will be looking to build on their preseason performances and prepare for the regular season. The Hall of Fame Game is not just a chance for individual players to shine but also an opportunity for teams to evaluate their rosters and make adjustments for the upcoming season. For the Chargers, it’s a continuation of their efforts to find the right quarterback to lead their offense and help the team succeed in the 2025 season.