Be ready to see a familiar face when NFL football returns to television Thursday.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance is scheduled to start for the Los Angeles Chargers in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game, Jim Harbaugh told reporters Tuesday. Harbaugh added that Lance will play the first half and could play a drive in the third quarter if all goes well.
#Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh says Trey Lance will get the start at QB in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game
Added if “all goes well” Lance will play the first half and a drive into the 3rd Q.
DJ Uiagalelei will take over from there and Taylor Heinicke will serve as emergency QB. pic.twitter.com/Oj6ovGkpDT
— Omar Navarro (@OmarNavarro____) July 29, 2025
Lance agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers this offseason. He spent two seasons in Dallas, starting just one game for the Cowboys in 2024.
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Despite being a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Lance has struggled to see the field throughout his professional career. The young quarterback has appeared in only 12 games since entering the league.
Lance has impressed Harbaugh throughout Chargers training camp.
“I just want to get Trey Lance game experience. With his career and then in college, he doesn’t have as much as most guys,” the Chargers head coach said.
After Lance is done, the Chargers are expected to play rookie DJ Uiagalelei at quarterback for most of the second half. Taylor Heinicke will serve as the Chargers’ emergency quarterback. Justin Herbert won’t suit up for the game.
The Chargers will face the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game to kick off this year’s slate of NFL preseason matchups.
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