DJ Uiagalelei outplays Trey Lance in final preseason test for Chargers' backup QBs

Published August 28, 2026 04:57 AM The Chargers have not named their No. 2 quarterback behind Justin Herbert, but if Thursday night’s preseason finale is any indication, DJ Uiagalelei is a better option than Trey Lance.Lance led the offense for two possessions and didn’t complete any passes. One drive was a three-and-out, and the other ended with Lance getting sacked on fourth-and-1.Uiagalelei played much longer and did much more. He completed 11 of 18 passes for 141 yards and generally looked more competent running the Chargers’ offense.After the game, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had little to say other than to answer, “I thought he did some good things” when asked about Uiagalelei. Harbaugh said last week that Lance and Uiagalelei were in a tight race.Lance entered the NFL with great fanfare, as the 49ers traded three first-round picks and a third-round pick to move up to No. 3 overall and take Lance in the 2021 NFL draft. The 49ers did that even though Lance had only been a starter for one season at North Dakota State, because Lance appeared to have the talent to develop into an elite NFL quarterback. As Lance heads into his sixth NFL season, he still hasn’t developed.Uiagalelei entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the Chargers last year and spent all season on the practice squad. He hasn’t been tested in the regular season, and that might make Harbaugh decide he’s not ready to be Herbert’s backup. But Lance doesn’t look ready, either.