Five standout players to monitor in the Chargers vs. Saints game: Trey Lance and KeAndre Lambert-Smith from the Saints, and unspecified individuals from the Chargers squad.
Chargers' Backup Quarterback Battle Swings in Favour of Trey Lance
The backup quarterback battle between Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance on the Los Angeles Chargers is leaning towards Lance, based on recent preseason performances and statements from the coaching staff.
Last season, Heinicke served as the primary backup behind Justin Herbert, joining the Chargers from the Atlanta Falcons. Lance, on the other hand, is trying to prove his worth after being considered a draft bust. His strong performance in the Hall of Fame Game earned him the coaching staff's trust to compete for the backup spot alongside Heinicke.
Lance's preseason stats have been solid, with notable completion rates, while Heinicke's performances have been uneven. The Chargers coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Greg Roman, has described the backup QB competition as "wide open" earlier in preseason. However, recent reports suggest Lance's edge in the pecking order. Roman mentioned strategic reps allocation in practice, favouring Herbert, but it has been interpreted that Heinicke is getting fewer repetitions.
The Chargers seem to be leaning towards Lance as the primary backup given his preseason impact and potential longevity as a career backup if Herbert were unavailable. However, Heinicke's experience gives him some chance to make the roster, especially considering the uncertainty around carrying a third quarterback and potential practice squad placements.
Elsewhere on the Chargers, Trey Pipkins III has moved from swing tackle to a starting role at right tackle following Joe Alt's shift to left tackle. Pipkins, who has started 41 games at tackle in his career, has the coaching staff's confidence.
Defensive rookie Nikko Reed, an undrafted rookie, is making high-impact coverage plays in practice and preseason games, including a near 60-yard pick-six last week. Reed is trying to break into the cornerback rotation, which includes Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, Ja'Sir Taylor, Donte Jackson, and Benjamin St-Juste.
Caleb Murphy, another rookie, has made an immediate impact in the preseason. He forced a fumble on the opening kickoff and has shown pass-rushing ability. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter wants to see if Reed can take the next step and consistently be a player making high-impact plays.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round pick, has shown promising traits in practice, leading to chemistry with Justin Herbert and more targets. He, along with Reed, has an opportunity to build on the promise they showed in their preseason debuts.
The Chargers have experienced several injuries during training camp, affecting players such as Mekhi Becton, Ladd McConkey, Najee Harris, Rashawn Slater, and others. Najee Harris' return date is uncertain, and Rashawn Slater is out for the season.
This backup QB competition highlights Lance's opportunity to secure the QB2 spot and the Chargers' desire to have a capable backup ready for the postseason push if Herbert is unavailable.
[1] - Chargers backup QB battle: Trey Lance impressing, Taylor Heinicke struggling [2] - Chargers QB battle: Trey Lance could be Justin Herbert’s primary backup [3] - Trey Lance vs. Taylor Heinicke: Chargers backup QB battle heating up [4] - Chargers backup QB battle: Trey Lance and Taylor Heinicke fighting for the No. 2 spot [5] - Chargers QB battle: Taylor Heinicke struggles, Trey Lance shines
[1] - "In the ongoing backup quarterback battle between Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance on the Los Angeles Chargers, Lance's impressive preseason performances have given him the edge over Heinicke."
[2] - "With Justin Herbert as the starting quarterback, the Chargers appear to be leaning towards Trey Lance as the potential backup, as his solid preseason stats have caught the attention of the coaching staff."
