**Trey Lance Named Starter for Chargers’ Preseason Opener Against Lions**
**Meta Description:** Trey Lance will start for the Chargers in their preseason opener against the Lions, aiming to gain valuable game experience after a challenging start to his NFL career.
**URL Slug:** trey-lance-chargers-preseason-opener
**Trey Lance Named Starter for Chargers’ Preseason Opener Against Lions**
Training camps across the NFL commenced last week, and the preseason is set to officially begin with a matchup between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio, later this week. On Tuesday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Trey Lance will be the starting quarterback for Thursday’s exhibition opener.
Lance, who was selected third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has faced a tumultuous start to his professional football career. Harbaugh, now in his second season with the Chargers, indicated that Lance will play into the third quarter of the game against the Lions, emphasizing the importance of game experience for the young quarterback. “I want to get Trey Lance game experience,” Harbaugh stated.
After a two-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Lance signed a one-year contract with the Chargers during the offseason. He was traded to the Cowboys in 2023 but found himself at the bottom of the depth chart, remaining a healthy scratch for every game that season. In his limited appearances with Dallas, he played in four games, starting one due to injuries to Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. Lance concluded the 2024 season with 266 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception, having begun his NFL journey with the San Francisco 49ers.
In Thursday’s game, former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is expected to take over for Lance. Many NFL teams typically rest their starters during the first preseason game, and the Chargers will follow suit, with starting quarterback Justin Herbert sitting out.
The annual Hall of Fame festivities coincide with the induction ceremonies for the latest class, providing teams with an additional opportunity to assess their rosters. While every other NFL team will participate in three preseason games, the Chargers and Lions will conclude the exhibition season with four games under their belts.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is Trey Lance starting for the Chargers in the preseason?**
A: Trey Lance is starting to gain valuable game experience after a challenging start to his NFL career, as confirmed by head coach Jim Harbaugh.
