The Chargers will offer a sneak peek at their starting offensive and defensive lineups Saturday when they face the Rams at SoFi Stadium. It’s likely to be only a quick one, though, as Coach Jim Harbaugh gives his starters a chance to get some game action before the Sept. 5 regular-season opener.
Harbaugh played mostly the Chargers’ backups, free agents and rookies during one-sided victories July 31 over the Detroit Lions and last Sunday over the New Orleans Saints. This time some familiar names will be on the field. At least to start the game against the Rams, anyway.
The backups, free agents and rookies are likely to get the bulk of the snaps again. Here’s a closer look at six players to watch, three on offense and three on defense, as the Chargers attempt to run their record to 3-0 in exhibition play, with their finale looming Aug. 23 against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara:
OFFENSE
Justin Herbert, QB
Who could blame Herbert for wanting to get back onto the field in an actual game after his last game went sideways on him in a big way. Recall that Herbert threw four interceptions during the Chargers’ 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in a wild-card game last January. It was one more than he tossed in all of the regular season, a nightmarish ending to what had been another standout season for Herbert and in Harbaugh’s first season with the Chargers. Herbert said this week he approached Harbaugh about playing Saturday and Harbaugh said the timing was right. The plan is for Herbert to play only one or two series, however.
Keenan Allen, WR
Harbaugh said he had no concerns about playing Allen despite Allen signing his contract Aug. 5 and only joining the Chargers for his first practice on Day 16 of training camp. Allen, like Herbert, is only expected to play a limited number of snaps before retreating to the sideline. It’s another chance for Allen and Herbert to reconnect after Allen was dealt last year to the Chicago Bears after spending his first 11 seasons in the NFL with the Chargers, including four with Herbert.
Trey Pipkins III, RT
Left tackle Rashawn Slater’s season-ending knee injury created a ripple effect on the offensive line, opening an opportunity for Pipkins to move into the starting lineup. He was likely to be a swing tackle until Slater was hurt Aug. 7 in practice. Now, he’s expected to become the starting right tackle after Joe Alt flipped from the right to the left to replace Slater, a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Pipkins started at right guard last season after starting the previous two seasons at right tackle.
DEFENSE
Daiyan Henley, LB
Harbaugh’s decision to play the starters had a bonus impact for Henley. He finally gets a chance to tackle someone and do it against someone in a different uniform. He also said he was looking forward to getting some L.A. bragging rights with a victory over the Rams. It didn’t seem to matter to him that it was just preseason and there was zero at stake. Henley had a breakthrough season last year, and Harbaugh called upon him to be a team leader for this coming season.
Caleb Murphy, Edge
The Chargers’ unofficial depth chart lists Murphy as a backup outside linebacker but he’s played like anything but during victories over the Lions and, especially, over the Saints. He made quite an impression in practices leading up to the games and then turned up his play against the Lions and the Saints. He had two sacks and forced a fumble during the Chargers’ 27-13 victory Sunday over New Orleans, and he claimed he had been cheated out of a third sack by the stats crew.
Tarheeb Still, CB
Just like Murphy, Still was a player to watch going into Sunday’s game against the Saints. Just like Murphy, Still drew attention to himself by making plays during a limited, nine-snap outing, including a closing play on a quick pass into the flat that could have gained big yardage. Still shut it down quickly, limiting the damage to only 10 yards. The cornerback position is one of a few still up for grabs after 20 camp sessions. Still should be considered a probable starter, as he was to end his rookie season in 2024.