Mekhi Becton’s return to Chargers practice injects needed pop into an offensive line that has been banged up and short on reliable depth. Alt at left and Becton anchoring the right side could unlock Herbert’s play-action and the run game, especially with Slater’s timeline still unclear. The unit remains a work in progress, with Jamari Sawyer sliding between tackle and guard and Branson Taylor toggling positions, underscoring a thin depth chart that could push the front office to add interior help via waivers or a free-agent addition like Risner.

The quarterback hierarchy remains unsettled, with Taylor Heinicke’s status fueling trade speculations and Trey Lance’s name surfacing as a potential match for Greg Roman’s system. If Lance lands in LAC, the offense could gain a mobile chess piece who fits the scheme, altering QB2 dynamics and Herbert’s rushing expectations. Meanwhile, Chris Jones looms as a premier interior rusher for Week 1, pressuring the interior blockers and testing the line’s ability to sustain blocks and create yards after contact. Keenan Allen and Quinton Johnston flashed in camp, signaling a dangerous duo for the air game, while Herbert’s leadership remains a constant booster for confidence and timing.

Trey Lance’s preseason showcase has shoved the Chargers’ backup QB race into the spotlight. His combination of wheels and pocket poise produced multiple first downs with his legs and culminated in a near-automatic game-closing drive, pushing his case to back up Justin Herbert. The Saints posed a tough test, but Lance’s athleticism and decisiveness on third downs underscored his upside in real and fantasy rotations.

Defensively, Caleb Murphy anchored the edge with two sacks, two tackles for loss, and a strip-sack threat that helped cement his roster case. Eric Rogers followed with a two-interception day, including a pick-six, highlighting the undrafted route to a multi-faceted impact role. Nico Reed joined the turnover party with a near-pick-six and a key breakup, while Jamari Caldwell and Kendall Williamson flashed versatility and ball skills in the secondary. On offense, undrafted receivers Brenden Rice and Davon Campbell showed big-play traits and earned reps in a crowded WR room, reinforcing depth in a Chargers unit that could realistically keep two quarterbacks in 2025. The overall picture: Lance’s athleticizing of the QB room, Murphy’s breakout, and the UDFA wave hint at a roster battle that could tilt the depth chart in meaningful ways for fantasy rosters and daily fantasy depth charts alike.

As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for training camp, the pressure mounts to finalize the 53-man roster amidst tough competition and unexpected player movements. Trey Lance, once a highly touted quarterback, has found himself on the outside looking in as the team opts for Justin Herbert and Taylor Heinicke as their top two quarterbacks.

With the roster improvements made this offseason, decisions on the final cuts are far from straightforward. Former draft picks and unexpected standout performances during preseason have intensified the scrutiny of roster choices. The focus now shifts to how the Chargers will refine their roster, particularly in key positions like quarterback, tight end, and linebacker as training camp approaches.

Chargers fans are processing the recent free agency moves, particularly the addition of defensive linemen DeShaun Hand and Nwan Jones, following the departure of Puna Ford. With the Chargers' thin defensive line, these signings may provide a much-needed boost. The coaching staff's reputation for developing talent raises hopes for Hand and Jones to exceed their previous performances. Additionally, the return of backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke adds reassurance for Justin Herbert's injury concerns. The Chargers seem to be opting for value signings rather than high-profile contracts, sparking discussions around their strategy and spending intentions in free agency.