Jim Harbaugh grants Trey Lance his newest NFL starting chance

NFL training camps began opening last week, with the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers set to kick off the preseason in Canton, Ohio later this week.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Tuesday that Trey Lance will start Thursday’s exhibition opener. Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has faced challenges in the early stages of his professional football career.

Harbaugh, heading into his second season with the Chargers, confirmed that Lance will play into the third quarter against the Lions.

“I want to give Trey Lance game experience,” Harbaugh stated.

Lance signed a one-year contract with the Chargers after spending two years with the Dallas Cowboys.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) at training camp at The Bolt on July 21, 2025 in El Segundo, California. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

He was traded to the Cowboys in 2023 but remained third on the depth chart, not seeing any game action that season.

The 26-year-old played in four games for the Cowboys, starting one after injuries to Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) throws the ball during training camp at The Bolt on July 25, 2025 in El Segundo, California. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Lance finished the 2024 season with 266 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception after starting his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Thursday’s game is expected to see former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei take over from Lance. Chargers starting quarterback Justin Herbert will sit out the game, a common approach for many NFL teams in the first preseason game.

The Hall of Fame Game provides teams with an extra opportunity to evaluate their squads as they prepare for the upcoming season. While most teams will play three preseason games, the Chargers and Lions will have four games under their belts at the end of the exhibition season.