The 49ers quarterback room is solidified, but San Francisco’s former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance still is trying to establish himself as he enters his fifth NFL season.
Lance might have taken a strong step in that direction with a solid outing in his debut for the Los Angeles Chargers during the team’s 34-7 win over the Detroit Lions in the NFL’s annual Hall of Fame Game on Thursday in Canton, Ohio.
The 25-year-old quarterback completed 13 of his 20 pass attempts for 120 yards and two touchdowns while playing the first three quarters of the Chargers’ blowout win to open the 2025 preseason.
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Lance capped off Los Angeles’ opening possession by finding tight end Will Dissly in the end zone to convert on fourth down deep in Detroit territory.
The @Chargers open the scoring in 2025 on a Trey Lance TD to Will Dissly!@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
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Lance followed that up on the Chargers’ next possession with a key 28-yard completion to keep the chains moving on third down.
Trey Lance dropping it the bucket for KeAndre Lambert-Smith 🎯@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
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Lance’s second touchdown pass of the night also came on third down, highlighting an evening where the 2021 first-round draft pick consistently delivered in clutch situations.
Trey Lance finds KeAndre Lambert-Smith for the TD!@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
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Lance’s potential resurgence now is tied to another person with strong ties to San Francisco, with former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh calling the shots from the Chargers’ sideline.
Harbaugh, as 49ers fans fondly remember, had a penchant for firing up his quarterbacks with his patented pregame ritual that included ferverently slamming his signal-caller’s shoulder pads.
Lance was on the receiving end of Harbaugh’s famous ritual before Thursday’s game.
Jim Harbaugh poppin' pads. We are so back.@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
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While it’s wise not to take too much away from a preseason game, Lance’s performance still could be an early indicator of the former 49ers quarterback’s potential to take a leap forward under Harbaugh’s guidance.
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Former 49ers QB Trey Lance impresses with strong showing in Chargers debut – NBC Sports Bay Area & California
