Justin Herbert to Start vs. Rams, 1st NFL Preseason Game Ever for Chargers QB

Justin Herbert will make his first-ever NFL preseason appearance this weekend.

The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback will start against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Thursday.

Herbert was drafted in the first round in 2020 and, in theory, would have played during the preseason as a rookie, but the NFL didn't have a preseason that year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with Herbert, the Harbaugh plans to play all of his offensive starters on Saturday, noting that they are expected to play "a series, could be two." On defense, Harbaugh said he will play all of his starers besides linebacker Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James Jr.

"Our guys want to play," Harbaugh said. "They want the first series of the season not to be the first series of the season."

The Chargers won their first preseason game, the Hall of Fame game against the Detroit Lions, with Trey Lance and rookie quarterback DJ Uiagalelei getting reps under center. Lance played the majority of the snaps, throwing for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 13-of-20 passing.

In last week's win over the New Orleans Saints, Taylor Heinicke started at quarterback but had just eight yards on 1-of-5 passing. Lance also saw some action, completing seven of his 14 passes for 55 yards while adding 48 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

While Herbert will get the start, Harbaugh said he expects to play both Lance and Heinicke.

Herbert is coming off a season in which he threw for 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns and three interceptions, leading the Chargers to an 11-6 record in Harbaugh's first year.

As Herbert looks to put together a career year in his sixth season in the NFL, he'll first get warmed up in Saturday's preseason game.