With only one quarterback able to start and two competing for the preseason spot as injured star Justin Herbert recovers, one question loomed as the final practice of the week approached: Who will Jim Harbaughsend out Saturday to lead the Chargers offense against the Rams, Easton Stick or Luis Perez?
Harbaugh decided to keep Stick as the starter, the determination based on Stick’s notable improvements throughout the week, particularly with his timing.
I thought Easton had a good week,” Harbaugh said.
After a shaky start by both early in the week — questionable passes, interceptions — Stick and Perez looked sharp Thursday. Stick ran with the first team most of the week and Perez took snaps with the second and third teams.
To Stick’s advantage this week, Harbaugh confirmed receivers Joshua Palmer and Ladd McConkey are expected to play, though sparingly.
The linebacking corps, particularly the backups, emerged as a bright spot in the first preseason game.
Daiyan Henley, Tuli Tuipulotu, Troy Dye and Nick Niemann stepped up as key contributors Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Denzel Perryman sat.
Mack will not play again. Bosa, who has been absent since the Chargers-Rams joint practice on Aug. 4 and was seen last week with his left hand wrapped, also is ruled out. Perryman’s status remains uncertain.
Niemann, who had a standout performance last week with a team-high 12 tackles, might not get the chance to build on that success. He left practice Tuesday with trainers and has been absent since.
The news isn’t all bad, as third-round draft pick Junior Colson has a chance to make his highly anticipated debut. After recovering from appendix surgery, Colson participated in full team practice for the first time this week.
