The Los Angeles Chargers will start Justin Herbert for their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, but he isn’t expected to play very much. Most of the snaps will go to Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei.
Lance and Uiagalelei are fighting for the backup job behind Herbert, and it very well could come down to how each of them performs against the Rams.
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“I think it’s tight,” Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said after the second preseason game regarding the backup quarterback competition. “I don’t have a definitive status on it right now.”
A year ago, Lance was on the heels of Taylor Heinecke, and he was able to win the job after an impressive preseason finale. Now, he could beat out Uiagalelei and claim the backup role for a second straight season, or there could be another upset.
So far in the preseason, Lance has completed 22 for 36 passing for 223 yards and an interception with 69 rushing yards. Uiagalelei has looked better, going 13 for 24 for 200 yards and two touchdowns. That definitely gives Uiagalelei a chance going into the preseason finale.
“For me, just go out there and let it rip, play loose, spin the ball. Just make some good passes and be able to lead the teammates. Be a great leader, great teammate, rally guys around me and be able to uplift teammates to the highest potential,” Uiagalelei said.
Kickoff between the Chargers and Rams is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT inside SoFi Stadium.