However, Lance has gone from being the 49ers projected QB of the future when they were selected in the first round in 2021 to falling to the Cowboys in 2024 before settling with LA for this season, beating out Taylor Heinicke for the QB2 role behind Herbert.
He has a 2-3 career record with 1,153 passing yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. He has thrown for 90 yards on 7-of-13 going over three short games in relief of Herbert in 2025.
Even if Herbert does play, it will be interesting to see if there are any packages — especially on the goal line — that call for Lance to step up temporarily. Herbert has been working exclusively with a handgun and shotgun since his injury last week and will likely continue to do so.
Either to help ease Lance if he is called upon to start or to limit the opportunities for Herbert to make big hits, the Chargers could also employ a run-heavy approach against the Eagles, who are coming off a loss to the Bears in which they were held to 281 rushing yards.
Such a game plan would fall on the shoulders of Kimani Vidal and Omarion Hampton, who is questionable to return from an ankle injury for the first time since Week 5 but appears to be trending in the right direction with two straight practices.
However the Chargers find a way to exploit the Eagles, it will make a big difference; Week 14 begins with five straight games against teams .500 or better to end the regular season.
Los Angeles kicks off against Philadelphia at 8:15 PM ET on Monday.