The Chargers’ preseason finale against the Rams carries a little extra weight because of one matchup inside the matchup: Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei are still battling for the QB2 job behind Justin Herbert.
Both quarterbacks sounded locked in during Wednesday’s media availability, and both described a similar approach for the final tune-up. Lance put it simply: "Play on time, play confident, just take it one play at a time, and hopefully, you know, give these guys an opportunity to show what they can do," Lance stated.
That mindset fits what he’s shown this preseason. Lance has completed 22 of 36 passes for 237 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.
He’s also added value with his legs, carrying the ball five times for 69 yards, an average of 13.8 yards per carry. The interception stands out, especially next to the lack of passing touchdowns, but the mobility has been a real plus.
If he protects the ball, keeps using his legs, and strings together a few scoring drives, he can strengthen his case for the backup role.
Uiagalelei, though, has been right there with him - and in some ways, he’s been cleaner. His message was equally direct: "For me, man, just go out there and just let it rip, play loose, spin the ball.
Just make some good passes and be able to lead the teammates, man. Be able to be a great leader, a great teammate, rally guys around me, and be able to uplift teammates to their highest potential," Uiagalelei said.
His preseason stat line has been sharp: 15 completions on 24 attempts for 200 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His only rushing attempt went for a five-yard loss, though it looked more like a miscue with the running back than anything else. The bigger story has been his ball security and efficiency.
That’s what makes tonight’s game so important. Lance is trying to pair his athleticism with cleaner execution.
Uiagalelei is trying to keep stacking accurate throws and avoid mistakes. With the roster bubble tight and every snap carrying weight, both quarterbacks know this last impression matters.
By the time the Chargers and Rams finish, the QB2 picture could be clear - or it could get even murkier, forcing Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel to weigh the full body of work from camp.
In Other News...
Chargers Suddenly Have A Kicking Concern Fans Cant Ignore
A late preseason miss from Cameron Dicker has turned into a much bigger talking point than the Chargers probably wanted. After pushing a 49-yard field goal attempt wide and then heading to the medical tent, the veteran kicker created an uneasy scene for a team that has otherwise counted on him as a steady presence.
Dicker said he is fine, but Jim Harbaugh added a layer of uncertainty by noting the kicker is "working through something." For a Chargers team trying to keep special teams stable heading into the game against the Arizona Cardinals, the hope now is simple: Dicker is available, and whatever is nagging him does not linger into the regular season. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Roster Battle Got A Lot More Interesting Against The Rams
The Chargers preseason finale at SoFi Stadium had enough buzz to feel like more than just an exhibition, even with the Rams walking away with a 20-18 win. Justin Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston on a 65-yard touchdown, while running back Greg Desrosiers added a strong case for himself with 118 rushing yards and a score. Backup quarterback DJ Uiagalelei also helped keep the offense moving, piling up 141 passing yards and tossing a two-point conversion.
For a team still sorting out the bottom end of the roster, performances like those only sharpen the debate. Herbert and Johnston showed the kind of big-play upside that can change a game in a hurry, but it was Desrosiers and Uiagalelei who may have made the late-August decision-making a little tougher. In a preseason game, those are exactly the kinds of snaps that matter. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Suddenly Have A Familiar Special Teams Decision To Make
Preseason special teams mistakes have put JK Scott back under the microscope in Los Angeles, and the Chargers are now in the familiar spot of weighing whether their longtime punter still gives them enough reliability. Scott has been with the team for four seasons, but a missed tackle on a return man and a low punt average have made this summer feel less stable than the staff would like heading into the regular season.
The Chargers are at least doing their homework on alternatives, with Thomas Morstead and Jamie Gillan among the names being discussed as possible answers if they decide to make a change. Gillan could be off the board soon, which adds a little urgency to a decision that is starting to look more like a true competition than a routine camp evaluation. [Read more 🡒]