Justin Herbert Set to Finally Take Preseason Snaps for Chargers Against Rams

For the first time in his NFL career, Justin Herbert will see action in a preseason game when the Los Angeles Chargers face the Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Herbert will play for one or two series, giving fans a rare glimpse of the six-year veteran in exhibition action.

"I wanted to go out there and see the pass rush," Herbert said Thursday. "In practice as a quarterback you don't always get the true feeling of a pass rush so I thought it would be helpful."

Herbert was originally scheduled to play last week against the New Orleans Saints, but Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury forced adjustments on the offensive line, canceling his appearance. The 27-year-old quarterback has never thrown a pass in a preseason game, a combination of circumstances including the COVID-canceled 2020 preseason, conservative coaching decisions, and minor injuries in recent years.

Other Quarterbacks to Watch

After Herbert’s series, Trey Lance and Taylor Heinicke will take snaps. Lance has shown dual-threat potential, running seven times for 48 yards—including a 5-yard touchdown—against the Saints, while also throwing for 55 yards. Heinicke struggled in his previous outing, completing just 1 of 5 passes for 8 yards.

Herbert Reunited with Keenan Allen

Also expected to play against the Rams is WR Keenan Allen, who recently returned to the Chargers for his second stint. Herbert expressed comfort and confidence throwing to one of his favorite targets:

"He's such a smart ballplayer. He's able to go out there and learn a completely new offense but not miss anything. We call a route and he's going to find a way to make it work. There's a level of comfort throwing to him just knowing that he's got such a great feel."

What This Means for the Chargers

Saturday’s game gives fans a long-awaited chance to see Herbert in preseason action and evaluate how the offense responds without Slater in the lineup. With Allen back and Herbert finally taking snaps in a live setting, the Chargers can fine-tune chemistry and gain confidence before the regular season. While limited, these series may provide early insight into how the team will attack defenses in 2025.