Charger Report

Jim Harbaugh rescues, resurrects Chargers' QB Trey Lance

While most NFL experts believed Trey Lance's career was over, the Los Angeles Chargers just named him as Justin Herbert's backup.
Richie Whitt|
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

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A year ago after the NFL's roster cutdown, Trey Lance was a dead man walking. Now, thanks for Jim Harbaugh's belief, he's a Justin Herbert sack away from having the Los Angeles Chargers in his hands.

Discarded and traded by the San Francisco 49ers, Lance started the final preseason game for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 and threw five interceptions. There were many analysts who figured he would be cut. Dallas kept him, but as QB3 buried behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.

MORE: Chargers dropped big news on Najee Harris ahead of Week 1

It's what he did with his legs, but more so what he didn't do: turn the ball over.

He completed 56 percent of his passes, threw two touchdowns and consistently made plays with his scrambling athleticism. He's such a different animal than the pocket-passing Herbert, here's betting Harbaugh has a special package of plays using him in some wonky offensive alignment.

MORE: Jim Harbaugh reveals Chargers’ practice squad after final cuts

It's already one of the best success stories of the NFL season. Trey Lance, QB2 on a team with serious playoff intentions.

Chargers Nation will be anxious if Herbert goes down and Lance trots into the huddle. But, evidenced by this week's roster moves, Harbaugh believes in Lance more than anyone else in pro football.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) and San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch (right) talk before the ga
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) and San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch (right) talk before the game at Levi's Stadium. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

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