Soccer kicks off on Thursday nights! It’s really happening—well, sort of. The Hall of Fame Game is officially kicking off the NFL preseason with a moment that’s supposed to be a big deal, even if the key players usually sit this one out.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions will face off, but we won’t see Justin Herbert and Jared Goff throwing the ball around. Still, there are some intriguing players to keep an eye on during this match.
Trey Lance, QB, Chargers
Remember Trey Lance? The former overall pick who’s now with the Chargers? Herbert’s situation feels a little rocky, so this might be a chance for Lance to shine, at least in a trade market sense.
It’s worth noting that Lance is only 25, the same age as rookie QB Tyler Schaff. You never really know about comebacks in the NFL—just look at Geno Smith. Lance has reportedly impressed in camp, and Harbaugh is optimistic about his backup QB. We haven’t seen him in prime situations before, but with the Chargers, he’s not under too much pressure and can learn as he goes.
Even if the Hall of Fame Game is more like a glorified scrimmage, it’s compelling to see how Lance performs and if he can carve out a new chapter in his career.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers
Everyone’s keeping a close watch on Omarion Hampton, especially since the Lions have announced their first and second-round picks won’t play this Thursday (DT Tyleik Williams and OG Tate Rutledge). As the Chargers’ first-round choice, Hampton’s in a great position to make an impact as a rookie.
The backfield will be committee-focused, mainly led by Najee Harris, whom the Chargers picked up in free agency. Hampton has a different running style and is a dual-threat RB. It’ll be interesting to see how the Chargers utilize him, his position on the field, and how he integrates into the passing game.
This could be a matchup worth watching, especially for those interested in fantasy football. Players may look for late-round gems to fill out their rosters.
Hendon Hooker, QB, Lions
It wasn’t too long ago that Hooker seemed to be the clear successor to Goff in Detroit. With Goff stepping up his game, it’ll still be fascinating to see Hooker take more snaps under center.
Currently, he’s in a competition with Kyle Allen to see who earns the backup spot behind Goff. They’ll be exchanging first-team reps on Thursday, which could be crucial for Hooker’s future in the NFL.
Hooker’s an intriguing QB. He had impressive stats in college with 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only two interceptions at Tennessee. However, there’s always been some debate about whether those numbers were a result of his talent or a byproduct of a unique Vols offense.
All of the Chargers’ Second Team Defense
What’s interesting about the Chargers is that, while they might lack superstar defensive talent, they have considerable depth. There’s little drop-off in quality between starters and second-stringers, which speaks to the organization’s planning, especially considering many key players are aging.
This depth could play a significant role in the Chargers’ success this coming season. If their defense can deliver, they might be in for a promising year.
Isaac Teslaa, WR, Lions
It’s going to be fun to see the Lions’ starter Teslaa in action, and it’s hard to resist making jokes about Elon Musk’s auto brand.
Detroit picked Teslaa earlier than expected, but he fills a crucial gap as a young, tall receiver. The team brought in Tim Patrick last year for his size in the slot, and they clearly saw potential for the future with Teslaa in that position.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 213 pounds, he showcases solid catching skills, compensating for a modest acceleration. It’ll be interesting to see how he fits into Detroit’s receiving corps.
Tre Harris, WR, Chargers
Switching gears to another WR, the Chargers’ second-round pick signals that the team is serious about boosting their offensive arsenal, especially after parting ways with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
What stands out about Harris is how the Chargers have approached adding talent. They had great success with Lad McConkey last year, so it’ll be interesting to see if this new rookie can deliver a similar spark.
If he does, watch out—because the Chargers’ offense could be quite formidable in the upcoming season.
