The Detroit Lions officially kick off their 2025 preseason schedule on Thursday night when they meet the Los Angeles Chargers in the annual Hall of Fame Game.
This matchup will be the first opportunity for players on both sides of the ball to make a statement to the fans and coaches in Detroit. For players further down the depth chart hoping to show their worth, it could be their best opportunity to do so as well.
Following an announcement from Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh on Tuesday, the Lions' defense knows who they will have to slow down as Los Angeles plans to start a recent first-round pick under center in the team's preseason opener.
Chargers Name Trey Lance Starting QB for Hall of Fame Game vs. Lions
Detroit's defense could have its hands full on Thursday night as Trey Lance is expected to play into the third quarter before being relieved by UDFA D.J. Uiagalelei for the rest of the night, assuming all goes to plan.
#Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh says Trey Lance will get the start at QB in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game
— Omar Navarro (@OmarNavarro____) July 29, 2025
Added if “all goes well” Lance will play the first half and a drive into the 3rd Q.
DJ Uiagalelei will take over from there and Taylor Heinicke will serve as emergency QB. pic.twitter.com/Oj6ovGkpDT
Detroit's front seven will have to contain Lance from making plays with his feet, something that can easily occur during the preseason as plays break down quicker due to the lack of practice time that has been put in thus far. The Lions cannot completely sell out against stopping the run, though. Lance possesses a strong enough arm to test Detroit's secondary down the field if the defense loads up the box.
This is likely a matchup that Dan Campbell welcomes. A coach learns the most about the players on their roster when they are placed into situations where they have to react in the moment to what is happening in front of them.
As is the case with every preseason game, the outcome is of very little consequence. These exhibitions are important as they provide the coaches with a glimpse into how players respond to in-game situations. Squaring off against a true dual-threat, like Lance, is going to provide Campbell and his staff with answers to some of those early questions about players further down the roster.