Jim Harbaugh is keeping Chargers fans in the dark about QB2 decision

For the first time in his six-year NFL career, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will start a preseason game.

While speaking to the media on Thursday, Herbert said he came to head coach Jim Harbaugh with the idea because he wanted to see a real pass rush. This comes after the team cancelled a joint practice vs. the Rams due to a plethora of injuries.

Last week, the Chargers lost Rashawn Slater to a season-ending patellar tendon injury. There was a thought in the organization to have Herbert and the starters play last week vs. New Orleans, but Harbaugh said today he wanted more time to “reconfigure” the offensive line.

As with most starting QBs in the preseason, Herbert will not be out there for long. Harbaugh said today that he expects one or two series for the starters.

Jim Harbaugh won’t say who the Chargers' backup quarterback is behind Justin Herbert

What happens after Herbert comes out of the game? Harbaugh was less clear on that front. He was noncommittal to which player between Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance would come in as QB2. The Chargers HC only went as far as to say both quarterbacks would play.

Lance is also “working through something”, per Harbaugh. On Tuesday, OC Greg Roman denied that there was an injury. He was then spotted wearing a brace on his hand during Wednesday’s practice. Despite the now confirmed injury, Harbaugh says he still expects Lance to play vs. the Rams.

Lance has been the biggest winner of the preseason and training camp so far. He’s put Heinicke’s QB2 role on the hot seat with his ability to manage drives in both preseason games he’s played. Should Lance start on Saturday, it could be a sign that the coaching staff is leaning his way with the backup quarterback job.

Heinicke will look to bounce back from a poor first preseason outing vs. New Orleans. But Lance could come reasonably close to sealing the backup job with two more standout performances.