9 Grades from Chargers' Faceplant Against 49ers in Second Preseason Matchup

Coming off an emotional gut punch from losing center Tyler Biadasz, the Chargers fell flat on Thursday night. See how several notable players and graded out.

Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson (25) reacts after a pick six during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Chargers took on the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in their second preseason game. The Chargers stepped onto the field coming off the emotional gut punch they took on Tuesday with the loss of Tyler Biadasz to a major knee injury. The entire team appeared listless with the energy expected following a funeral.

This was a rough showing from the Chargers who started out the game going three and out on offense with Justin Herbert and the starters. The entire team seemed to be down, on wednesday head coach Jim Harbaugh appeared uncharacteristically depressed during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. The team appeared to adopt the same tone.

The Chargers need to flush this preseason performance and get back to work. Let's dive into the few good takeaways and the many bad and assign grades for this performance.

Chargers Unit grades

The run game
Grade: F

One of the biggest concerns of the night was how disconnected the Chargers offensive unit looked in the run game. From the tight ends to the offensive line, they appeared overpowered and did not match the energy of the 49ers.

This performance came on the heels of the exact opposite showing against the Texans where they were clearly the more physical team. The offensive line and tight ends allowed penetration throughout the entire game. The results spoke for themselves, the Chargers running backs finished the day with 31 yards on 17 carries, with 21 of those yards coming at the end of the game from undrafted free agent Greg Desrosiers on four carries.

The poor showing was exacerbated by multiple pre-snap penalties. The pre-snap penalties and at times looks of confusion highlighted the lack of communication and the offense simply not being on the same page.

Defense
Grade: C-

Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (19) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard (33) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Chargers starting defense was missing several key players and leaders. They gave up some plays but ultimately held the 49ers in check. The unit beyond the first two series were under constant attack and it was in large part due to the defensive front. The Chargers defense registered zero sacks or tackles for loss and the defensive backs were constantly forced to cover for extended plays.

Special teams
Grade: D

The Chargers special team units gave up an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown, with punter JK Scott making absolutely no effort to stop the returner and Cameron Dicker missed an extra point for the second week in a row. Outside of those two major blunders, the gunners on every unit were fighting hard to get downfield.

Chargers Noteworthy player grades

Jake Slaughter, center
Grade: C+

Jake Slughter was thrust into the starting lineup following the injury to Tyler Biadasz. A full film evaluation of his two series on the field will be needed but upon initial watch, some of his pre-draft strength concerns were painfully highlighted. Operating the offense and recognizing the defense in front of him did not seem to be a problem.

Avery Smith, cornerback
Grade: B

Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black (26) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Avery Smith (36) during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If not for a rough penalty that gave an automatic first down to the 49ers at the goal line, the undrafted free agent defensive back would have earned an A. Smith played strong and physical and showed off his tackling abilities on multiple plays.

Andre Carter, edge rusher
Grade: B

The Chargers signed free agent edge rusher Andre Carter in what appeared an effort to add more training camp bodies for preseason games. Carter was a highly productive pass rusher for the Army Black Knights but had a rough pre-draft process that led to him going undrafted. With little separation amongst the edge rushers, Carter has acquitted himself well so far in camp and in preseason action.

Jacob Spomer, center
Grade: A

Jacob Spomer was one of my must-watch players in tonight's matchup. As expected he took over for Jake Slaughter early in the game and played every offensive snap after the second series. The undrafted rookie was given the opportunity to show what he could do before the Chargers front office makes any roster additions once Tyler Biadasz's status for the season is determined.

Spomer played well and was routinely stonewalling twists and stunts from the 49ers and routinely getting to the second level quickly and taking on linebackers.

Junior Colson, linebacker
Grade: B+

Junior Colson got the Chargers on the board with an interception returned for a touchdown. He saw extended playing time as he fights for a chance to make the roster after a rough, injury plagued start to his career.

Greg Desrosiers, running back
Grade: A

Undrafted running backs buried on the depth chart always struggle to make an impact. Greg Desrosiers made the most of his four carries and lead the team in rushing yards for a running back while looking quick and explosive. For the second week in a row, he flew downfield on punt coverage and took down the returner.