Five notable football players to focus on in the Chargers vs. Saints match: Trey Lance and KeAndre Lambert-Smith from the Saints, and unspecified players from the Chargers.
The Los Angeles Chargers' backup quarterback position is shaping up to be an exciting competition, with undrafted rookie Trey Lance edging ahead of Taylor Heinicke based on preseason performance and coaching staff assessments.
In the Hall of Fame Game, Lance dazzled with solid passing and dual-threat capability, completing 13-of-20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Although his performance dipped slightly in the following preseason game against the Saints, with lower passing efficiency, he still managed to score on a run. Despite missing some practice reps due to a hand brace, Lance is expected to see playing time and remain a strong contender for the backup role.
Heinicke, who was expected to be the clear No. 2 behind Justin Herbert, has been challenged by Lance's upside and decision-making during camp. With Lance's emergence, some analysts predict that Heinicke could even be cut or traded.
The Chargers may only keep two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, which intensifies the competition. If Lance does not make the active roster, he could potentially go to the practice squad.
Meanwhile, on the offensive line, Trey Pipkins III has moved from a swing tackle role to starting right tackle due to Rashawn Slater's injury. Pipkins, who has started 41 games at tackle in his career and has logged over 3,000 snaps, will get much-needed reps at right tackle due to the reshuffling of the offensive line. Joe Alt will be the left tackle, and Pipkins will play the right tackle position.
On the defensive side, Nikko Reed is trying to break into the cornerback rotation despite the competition. Reed has made high-impact coverage plays in practice and had a near 60-yard pick-six in a preseason game. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter wants Reed to "take that next step" and consistently be a player who makes plays in practice and games.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed confidence in Pipkins, calling him one of their best players. Anthony De Leon is also a member of the Chargers.
Najee Harris' return date from an injury is still unknown, and Mekhi Becton and Ladd McConkey have been sidelined for multiple practices during training camp.
Caleb Murphy has shown promise as a special teamer and has finished with three tackles, including one for a loss, in the preseason. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round pick, has shown promise in training camp and has chemistry with Justin Herbert.
In the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints, the Chargers will not play their veteran starters. Murphy forced a fumble on the first play of the preseason, setting up the Chargers in scoring position.
As the preseason progresses, the backup quarterback battle between Lance and Heinicke will continue to be closely watched, with the final roster decision potentially involving trades or practice squad moves as the Chargers balance competition and roster spots.
Despite the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line reshuffle, Trey Pipkins III ascends to the starting right tackle position, a California native who has starting experience and a lengthy history of game snaps. In the football realm of Los Angeles, the Chargers' backup quarterback position remains a riveting competition, as undrafted rookie Trey Lance is neck-and-neck with Taylor Heinicke, with Lance's strong preseason performance putting him in a favorable position in the American-football landscape of the NFL. The Chargers' defensive unit also sees a challenge from Nikko Reed, who is vying for a cornerback spot, delivering impressive coverage plays and near interceptions during practices and preseason games.
