Injuries have plagued the Chargers during training camp, with various players sidelined. Coach Jim Harbaugh announced that veteran starters will not play against the New Orleans Saints to prioritize safety. Rookies like KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Nikko Reed have the chance to showcase their skills, while a backup quarterback competition between Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance unfolds. Lance, a former No. 3 draft pick, showed promise in the Hall of Fame Game, giving the coaching staff confidence in his abilities despite being previously shuffled among teams.
After bouncing around three teams in five seasons, Lance showed flashes of why he was once a No. 3 overall pick. His strong performance in the Hall of Fame Game - 120 yards and two touchdowns - earned him the coaching staff's trust to compete for the backup quarterback spot alongside Heinicke.
Though Heinicke, who re-signed in the offseason, appears to have a leg up, Lance will have the chance throughout the preseason to prove he can be a capable backup.
For rookies such as KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Nikko Reed, it's a chance to build on the promise they showed in last week's preseason debuts.
Out of an abundance of caution, coach Jim Harbaugh once again said veteran starters won't play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.
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