Heinicke's spot on the Chargers’ depth chart underscores Lance’s ceiling as a mobility-based toolkit option amid roster shuffles.

Taylor Heinicke was cut as Lance edged into QB2, signaling the Chargers' confidence in Lance or Herbert’s stable health and the desire to minimize veteran depth at QB. Heinicke’s departure opens him to other opportunities, but the Chargers’ plan centers on their young passer and mobility-forward approach.

Heinicke backed Herbert in 2024 but was released as LA pared down to 53. He carried the incumbent backup role for the season, was re-signed in March, and then cut amid the Lance surge. His departure leaves LA with two QBs on the active roster and signals a likely practice squad addition for depth.

Heinicke’s bid to back up Herbert adds a floor-raising layer to LA’s QB room. His steady, if not flashy, drives in this game illustrate why he remains an intriguing roaster-swing option in fantasy circles, especially in two-QB formats or as a Week-1 streamer if Herbert sits.

Heinicke has been the underdog in the camp quarterback race, delivering a lean stat line (7-of-16 for 64 yards) with no touchdowns through three games. His accuracy and timing will be tested in the finale, where a strong showing could push him into the No. 2 role behind Herbert or keep him in the mix for practice squad considerations. His familiarity with chaotic play could be a valuable difference-maker in extended preseason reps.