Chargers' Trey Lance Starts Final Preseason Game vs 49ers

Trey Lance returned to Levi's Stadium to start for the Los Angeles Chargers in a preseason game against his former team, the San Francisco 49ers, completing five of eight passes for 38 yards before being replaced early in the first quarter. Despite a quiet performance with no scoring drives, Lance's overall preseason stats include a 56.1% completion rate, 334 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, along with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown. Lance, the 2021 third overall pick traded from the 49ers to the Chargers in 2023, expressed no ill will towards his former team, describing the game as just another contest. The 49ers originally selected Lance with hopes he would be their future quarterback, trading multiple high draft picks for him, but he did not meet expectations as Brock Purdy emerged as the starter. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan reflected on the team's commitment to developing a rookie quarterback at the time and expressed support for Lance, calling him one of the best people he has worked with. The Chargers will open their regular season against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL's São Paulo Game.