Chargers backup QB battle: Lance and Uiagalelei speak
Chargers backup quarterback rivals Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei head into Thursday's preseason finale against the Rams with the same prize in sight: Justin Herbert's No. 2 job. Both spoke Wednesday about playing loose and leading teammates, but only one will win a roster spot behind Herbert as Jim Harbaugh makes his final evaluation. For fans tracking Streaming & TV Alerts, the Rams-Chargers matchup is the clearest window yet into whether Uiagalelei or Lance earns the backup role.
Key Takeaways
- Lance and Uiagalelei addressed reporters Wednesday before the Chargers' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
- Uiagalelei is 15-of-24 for 200 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions; Lance is 22-of-36 for 237 yards with no passing TDs and one pick.
- Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has called the competition "tight" and said he has no definitive status on the backup job.
- Justin Herbert will start but is not expected to play much; most snaps should go to Lance and Uiagalelei.
- Thursday's game may feature the week's most interesting position battle at SoFi Stadium, with Harbaugh leaning on starters and backups in the first half.
What Did Lance and Uiagalelei Say About Their Mindset?
Trey Lance said he wants to "play on time, play confident, just take it one play at a time," while also giving teammates on the roster bubble a chance to show what they can do. The former No. 3 overall pick emphasized staying relaxed and putting other players in position to make the 53-man roster.
DJ Uiagalelei offered a similar tone with a more aggressive twist. "For me, man, just go out there and just let it rip, play loose, spin the ball," he said, adding that he wants to lead, rally teammates, and "uplift teammates to their highest potential." Both quarterbacks framed the finale as a chance to elevate everyone around them, not just pad personal stats.
How Have Lance and Uiagalelei Performed This Preseason?
Uiagalelei has been efficient and clean with the football. Through two preseason games, he has completed 15 of 24 passes for 200 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His lone carry went for a five-yard loss that appeared to stem from a miscommunication with a running back rather than a broken play.
Lance has been solid overall but less polished through the air. He is 22-of-36 for 237 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception. Where he has separated is on the ground: five carries for 69 yards, an average of 13.8 yards per attempt. In the Chargers' Week 2 loss to the 49ers, The Athletic reported that Lance was inaccurate in the first half before Uiagalelei entered in the third quarter and connected with Oronde Gadsden II on a 16-yard third-down conversion.
Who Will Play in the Chargers' Preseason Finale?
Justin Herbert will start against the Rams, but he is not expected to see extended action. According to Turf Show Times, most of the snaps should go to Lance and Uiagalelei as Harbaugh uses the first half to settle the backup competition.
On the Rams side, Sean McVay is inclined to sit nearly every player expected to make the team. That contrast makes the Chargers' quarterback battle the main storyline for Thursday's cross-town matchup at SoFi Stadium.
Why Does Thursday's Game Matter for the Backup QB Job?
Harbaugh told reporters after the second preseason game that the race is close. "I think it's tight," he said. "I don't have a definitive status on it right now." With roster cuts looming, Lance and Uiagalelei each need a strong showing to tip the scales.
For Lance, that likely means protecting the football, using his legs, and leading scoring drives. For Uiagalelei, continued accuracy and turnover-free play could seal the job. If both play well, Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel may have to decide based on the full body of camp work rather than one half of football.
As Yahoo Sports noted, the Chargers have shown flashes and inconsistencies this preseason. Thursday's finale should clarify where the backup quarterback competition stands before the regular season arrives.