Chargers' Trey Lance to Start vs. 49ers in NFL Preseason Finale, Jim Harbaugh Says

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Trey Lance will start at quarterback during the team's preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, via NFL.com.

Lance will eventually be replaced by Taylor Heinicke during the game.

The 25-year-old is set to start against a familiar team, as the 49ers originally selected Lance with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

He went on to appear in six games as a rookie and was set to take over as a full-time starter in 2022, but suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. Lance was eventually replaced by Brock Purdy atop San Francisco's depth chart.

The former North Dakota State standout spent two years as a backup option for the Dallas Cowboys from 2023-24 before signing a one-year contract with the Chargers in April.

Despite his shared history with San Francisco, he explained that he isn't approaching the game any differently.

"Same as I've approached these other ones," Lance said, per Eric Smith of the team's official website. "Just trying to build on it, build on what we've done these first three and come out with the win."

While Lance will continue to operate in a depth role for Los Angeles behind Justin Herbert, he's showed promise during his appearances in each of the team's first three preseason contests this year.

He's completed 55.1 percent of his throws for 296 yards and two touchdowns without tossing an interception.

Lance and Heinicke are currently competing for the Chargers' No. 2 quarterback spot, and the position battle could be decided in Saturday's preseason clash.

Kickoff between Los Angeles and San Francisco is at 8:30 p.m. ET.