Why isn’t Chargers QB Justin Herbert playing against the Lions in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game?
The Los Angeles Chargers kick off the NFL preseason early with the Hall of Fame Game, but don’t expect to see quarterback Justin Herbert take the field.
The NFL officially returns tonight with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio where the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions get things going for the league.
As is typical in the preseason, we’ll be seeing much more of the second-plus-string players rather than the starters on the field. For the Chargers, that means no Justin Herbert.
Justin Herbert won’t start vs. Lions: Here’s what Jim Harbaugh said
Starting quarterback Justin Herbert won’t be taking the field for the Chargers on Thursday. Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that “veteran traditional starters” will sit, including Herbert, as part of a broader strategy to preserve key players and evaluate young talent. Instead, newly acquired Trey Lance will start, with reps also planned for rookie DJ Uiagalelei.
“I just want to give Trey Lance game experience,” Harbaugh said. “I look at his career, even college - not as much (game experience) as most guys. Then he got into the NFL, got nicked up a little bit and just hasn’t been out there for the game experience enough. A talented player who’s playing very well in practice. Now going out into the game, and that’s the piece that says the most.”
Chargers offense at the HOF Game will feature:
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 29, 2025
Trey Lance at QB
1st-round RB Omarion Hampton
2nd-round WR Tre Harris
Cannot wait for some football on Thursday night 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xlJ8aSF4ov
The Chargers’ offense had a sloppy final practice before traveling to Canton, marked by multiple dropped passes, a fumbled snap, and near turnovers, highlighting the unit’s need for polish, and possibly reinforcing the decision to protect Herbert from unnecessary reps.
The Chargers will return to practice at the Bolt on Saturday when the starters will get their chance to take the field once again.
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