Five standout players to monitor in the Chargers vs. Saints match: Trey Lance and KeAndre Lambert-Smith from the Saints, plus unspecified individuals from the Chargers.
49ers and Chargers Shake Up Positions Ahead of Preseason Games
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for their preseason games, but not without some changes in their rosters.
In San Francisco, Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, showed glimpses of his potential in the Hall of Fame Game. His impressive performance could be a sign of things to come as the season approaches. Meanwhile, Trey Pipkins III will get much-needed reps at right tackle as the offensive line undergoes a reshuffle. Pipkins, who is comfortable at the position and has started 41 games in his career, is expected to fill the void left by the departure of starter Mike McGlinchey.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter believes Caleb Murphy is growing comfortable in the defensive scheme. Murphy, who forced a fumble on the first play of the preseason and finished with three tackles, including one for a loss, is seen as a rising star in a competitive room. Minter commented that the "arrow is pointing up" for Murphy.
Nikko Reed, an undrafted rookie, is making a name for himself with high-impact coverage plays in practice. He came close to a 60-yard pick-six in a preseason game. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round pick, also showed promise in his preseason debut, displaying promising chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert.
However, it seems the backup quarterback battle between Trey Lance and Taylor Heinicke, which was a hot topic in previous seasons, is not a focus in the 49ers' 2025 training camp. Instead, the competition appears to be between Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai, with Mordecai being recently waived.
On the other side of the bay, the Chargers have been hit by a series of injuries during training camp. Mekhi Becton, Ladd McConkey, Najee Harris, and Rashawn Slater have all been sidelined. Slater's injury is particularly significant, as he will miss the entire season.
Taylor Heinicke, who served as the primary backup behind Justin Herbert last season, has re-signed with the Chargers in the offseason. Coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed confidence in Pipkins, stating he is one of the team's best players.
In both teams, there are players looking to build on their promising preseason debuts. KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Nikko Reed are two such players. Coach Harbaugh has decided that veteran starters will not play against the New Orleans Saints, giving these players a chance to shine.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter wants to see if Reed can "take that next step" and consistently be a player who makes such plays in practice and games. Minter believes Murphy is growing comfortable in the defensive scheme, and he is eager to see Reed follow suit.
As the preseason games approach, both teams are facing challenges but also opportunities for their younger players to step up and make a name for themselves.
In the upcoming NFL preseason, Trey Lance might capitalize on his promising potential, further evolving the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback position. Meanwhile, Nikko Reed, showing high-impact coverage plays in practice, aims to take the next step and solidify himself as a consistent performer, similar to the rising star Caleb Murphy in the defensive scheme.
