Chargers QB Trey Lance to start Hall of Fame Game vs. Lions

Field Level Media|published: 07/29/2025, 4:12pm EDT

Jul 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) throws the ball during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance will start the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday in Canton, Ohio.

Lance, 25, is expected to play into the third quarter before giving way to DJ Uiagalelei. Traditional starter Justin Herbert is in line to sit out the contest, while veteran backup Taylor Heinicke will serve as the emergency quarterback.

"He's had a heck of a camp," Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Tuesday of Lance, the No. third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

"... I just want to get Trey Lance game experience. With his career and then in college, he doesn't have as much as most guys."

Acquired by the Chargers in April, Lance played in four games last season with the Dallas Cowboys and made one start -- completing 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards in a 23-19 home loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 18.

While Harbaugh announced his decision on Lance, he also noted that wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston will not play in the game.

--Field Level Media