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The Los Angeles Chargers closed out their preseason with a 30-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, highlighted by the return of quarterback Trey Lance and head coach Jim Harbaugh to the Bay Area.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The Los Angeles Chargers closed out their preseason with a 30-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, highlighted by the return of quarterback Trey Lance and head coach Jim Harbaugh to the Bay Area.
A late defensive play sealed the game for San Francisco when linebacker Curtis Robinson intercepted a tipped pass from defensive lineman Tui Uiagalelei and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown with 6:06 remaining.
Lance Returns to Levi’s Stadium
For Lance, it was his first game at Levi’s Stadium since being traded to Dallas two summers ago. Drafted third overall in 2021 after the 49ers gave up three first-round picks to get him, Lance started just four games before being shipped out, falling behind current starter Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold on the depth chart.
“It was fun,” Lance said. “I wish we could have gotten more going on offense and come out with a win. But it was fun. I tried to approach it like any other game.”
The 25-year-old quarterback finished 5-for-8 passing for 38 yards and ended the preseason without a turnover. Harbaugh, who hasn’t yet named his backup quarterback, praised Lance’s potential.
“Just 25 years old. Just in life, that’s the fat part of the bat,” Harbaugh said. “For a quarterback, that’s the fat part of the bat. I like the skill set—an electric player.”
Harbaugh’s Homecoming
The night also marked Harbaugh’s first game back at Levi’s Stadium since his four-year stint as San Francisco’s head coach ended in 2014.
“Just tremendous memories,” Harbaugh said. “Great times, great people.”
The Chargers finished the preseason at 2-2.
Final Roster Decisions
Los Angeles heads into the regular season with a 53-man roster built around franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, who enters his sixth year as the face of the franchise. Herbert remains one of the league’s most talented passers, coming off a 2024 season that showcased his toughness.
Backing him up is Lance, who joins a roster designed to compete for the AFC West crown.
According to the team, the Chargers will carry six wide receivers: Keenan Allen, Derius Davis, Tre’ Harris, Quentin Johnston, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and standout sophomore Ladd McConkey.
McConkey, who broke Allen’s rookie records last season, drew rave reviews in training camp, with Harbaugh calling him “uncoverable” at times. Allen, 33, is also closing in on a milestone—he enters the season with 904 career receptions, just 52 shy of surpassing Antonio Gates for the franchise record.
The Chargers kept four tight ends: Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Tucker Fisk and rookie Oronde Gadsden. Conklin and Dissly bring veteran experience, while Gadsden adds size and versatility.
On defense, six linemen made the cut: Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Da’Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Otito Ogbonnia and Teair Tart. Tart, who joined the team late last season, showed flashes of dominance throughout camp.
At linebacker, Los Angeles kept five outside players—Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Khalil Mack, Caleb Murphy and Tuli Tuipulotu—and four inside linebackers: Troy Dye, Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman and Marlowe Wax.
Mack, a future Hall of Famer with 107.5 career sacks, continues to set the tone on defense. Henley, meanwhile, is emerging as one of the team’s most important young leaders after a breakout 2024 season.
Looking Ahead
With a balanced mix of veteran leaders and young playmakers, the Chargers enter the 2025 season poised to contend for the AFC West title.