EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Chargers held their final practice on Tuesday afternoon before heading to Canton, Ohio, for Thursday evening’s Hall of Fame game against the Detroit Lions.
The session lasted around 90 minutes, with an emphasis on special teams. Players wore shorts and helmets for the light practice.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that Trey Lance will start at quarterback and play until about the third quarter. After that, undrafted rookie David Uiagalelei will finish the game.
Last season’s backup, Taylor Heinicke, will serve as the emergency quarterback.
“I just want to give Trey Lance game experience,” Harbaugh said. “I look at his career even college not as much as most guys. Then he got into the NFL and got nicked up a little bit, and just hasn't been out there for the game experience enough.”
The last time Lance started a preseason game was the final contest of last year’s preseason—also against the Chargers—while he was with the Cowboys. He threw five interceptions but scored two touchdowns, including one on the ground.
Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have said that Lance and Heinicke are competing for the backup role, so it will be interesting to see how they divide snaps over the remaining three preseason games.
The Chargers already know what Justin Herbert brings to the table, so this is an opportunity to evaluate the other three quarterbacks.
Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers' quarterback, Taylor Heinicke 4, greets teammates during training camp on July 29, 2025 at the Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Speaking of competition, there’s more clarity emerging around the battle for the starting center and guard spots. More on that in a moment.
One of the bigger updates is that Zion Johnson will play Thursday—at center. Harbaugh said he’ll get “a couple of drives.”
Johnson has been adjusting to the new position and credited assistant offensive line coach Nick Hardwick for helping with the transition. Thursday will provide valuable live reps to gauge his progress.
Last week, Roman noted that Andre James had inserted himself into the center competition, and on Monday, Jamaree Salyer was working at left guard. It appears the staff is exploring all combinations.
“I mean the competition, as far as starting that combination we foresee it being Zion and Brad Bozeman,” Harbaugh said.
It remains to be seen whether Harbaugh and company will actually begin the season with two players who struggled significantly in 2024.
Harbaugh also listed the players who will not play Thursday:
Offense: Justin Herbert, Joe Alt, Mekhi Becton, Rashawn Slater, Quentin Johnston, and Bradley Bozeman.Defense: Derwin James, Denzel Perryman, Tarheeb Still, Khalil Mack, Daiyan Henley, Donte Jackson, Benjamin St-Juste, Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden.
Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers' running back, Omarion Hampton 8, practices blocking during training camp on July 29, 2025 at the Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The spotlight will be on the 2025 rookie class. Harbaugh confirmed that running back Omarion Hampton, receiver Tre Harris, and the rest of the rookies will play.
What does Harbaugh hope his players take from the game?
“I wish and hope for all guys that they come out of this game, like Tony Jefferson came out of the Cowboys game last year,” Harbaugh said. “Or Tre’Mon Morris-Brash with his play. Him scoring a touchdown. That juice that football gives you.”