Tyrod Taylor will likely be under center for the Chargers. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers will 'probably' start QB Tyrod Taylor over rookie Justin Herbert

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/29/20

With all NFL preseason games canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn is leaning toward starting journeyman quarterback Tyrod Taylor over rookie Justin Herbert.

Jason Hirschhorn of SI.com and other outlets tweeted the news as Lynn spoke with reporters on Wednesday:

#Chargers HC Anthony Lynn says veteran QB Tyrod Taylor will "probably be our Day 1 starter."
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) July 29, 2020

#Chargers HC Anthony Lynn emphasized QB Justin Herbert "can't make up the physical reps" he missed due to the restricted offseason, but emphasized the rookie's four years of experience at Oregon. Lynn says QB coach Pep Hamilton will get Herbert ready even with the limitations.
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) July 29, 2020

After Philip Rivers signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency, the Chargers used the sixth pick of the draft on Oregon product Herbert. Even back in May, ESPN's Lindsey Thiry speculated that the 22-year-old first-year pro may not be ready for prime time by September:

"Can Herbert start as a rookie? He struggled in his final four regular-season games at Oregon, throwing four interceptions. It's uncertain if he will be able to immediately adapt to the speed of the NFL, particularly when it comes to making fast decisions and getting rid of the football. The Chargers could start veteran Tyrod Taylor until Herbert is ready to take over."

That was long before anyone knew, for sure, the pandemic would cause the NFL and NFL Players Association to scratch all exhibition contests to prevent unnecessary exposure to individuals potentially carrying the virus.

Taylor, who turns 31 in early August, was last a full-time starter in September 2018 when the Cleveland Browns put him above then-rookie Baker Mayfield on the depth chart, but the veteran lost the job after he suffered an injury during a Week 3 contest versus the New York Jets. Mayfield went on to win Pro Football Writers of America Rookie of the Year honors.

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