Training camps across the NFL kicked off last week, but later this week, the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers are set to meet in Canton, Ohio, marking the start of the preseason.
On Tuesday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Trey Lance will be the starting quarterback for Thursday’s exhibition game. Lance, taken as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has faced quite the journey in his early career.
Harbaugh, now in his second season with the Chargers, shared with reporters that Lance will make an appearance in the third quarter against the Lions. There’s a clear intention to give him some much-needed experience in the game.
Lance signed a one-year deal with the Chargers after spending two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He was originally traded to the Cowboys in 2023 but found himself third on the depth chart, ultimately becoming a healthy scratch for most of that season.
He appeared in four games for Dallas, managing to start one when both Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush were sidelined due to injuries.
Last season, Lance ended up with 266 passing yards, one interception, and no touchdowns, having begun his NFL journey with the San Francisco 49ers.
In Thursday’s game, DJ Uiagalelei, a former Clemson quarterback, is also expected to see some playtime. Many teams seem to be opting to rest their starters for the first preseason game, and it looks like Chargers’ starter Justin Herbett will follow this trend.
The Hall of Fame celebrations coincide with the introduction of the latest class, providing teams additional chances to evaluate their rosters. While most NFL teams will play three preseason games, the Chargers and Lions will have a total of four.
