The Detroit Lions now have clarity on who they’ll be facing under center as they prepare for their first preseason game of 2025.
Their campaign begins Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, where they’ll take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game. The matchup provides the first real test of the offseason for both teams and offers a platform for lesser-known players to earn attention from coaches and fans alike.
On Tuesday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that quarterback Trey Lance will start the game for Los Angeles. This news gives Detroit’s coaching staff a clearer idea of what to expect on the defensive side.
Lance, a recent first-round pick, is slated to remain in the game until the third quarter, barring any last-minute changes. Following his stint, undrafted rookie D.J. Uiagalelei is expected to take over quarterback duties for the remainder of the contest.
Detroit’s defense will face the challenge of containing a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs—something more common in preseason games due to limited offensive cohesion and practice time. While stopping Lance’s scrambling ability will be key, the Lions can’t afford to ignore his arm strength, which could pose a threat if the defense becomes too focused on the run.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell is likely eager to see how his players adapt in live-action situations. Preseason games serve less as a gauge of team success and more as a way to evaluate individual performance under pressure. Going up against a versatile quarterback like Lance presents a useful opportunity for Detroit’s coaching staff to assess how well the roster—particularly those fighting for a spot—handles unpredictable scenarios.
Though the result won’t affect standings, the implications for roster decisions are significant. Facing a dual-threat quarterback early on will give Campbell and his team valuable insight into player readiness and depth heading into the regular season.
