Los Angeles Chargers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Los Angeles Chargers continue to have a heavily-contested competition for the No. 3 running back role, according to Eric Smith of the team's official website. Smith notes that it's possible the team carries four running backs, but that's far from a given. In the event that they stick with three, the team will deploy Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins as its top two running backs with Isaiah Spiller, Kimani Vidal, and Jaret Patterson all competing for the final spot on the depth chart. Perhaps the most prominent name is Vidal, who impressed in Week 2 of the preseason and cost the Chargers a sixth-round pick just a few months ago. However, Spiller has familiarity with the system and Patterson has gone under the radar to make a real push for a roster spot, too. Saturday's clash with the Dallas Cowboys will give these three backs one more opportunity to separate themselves from the competition before rosters trim down on Tuesday.

According to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, quarterback Trey Lance will be on the 53-man roster to start the season. Lance, selected third overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the San Fransisco 49ers, has had a rough start to his career and entered training camp as the Cowboys' QB3. However, Lance has had a good training camp and has been impressive so far in the preseason. In two games, he has completed 40-for-64 (62.5%) of his pass attempts for 339 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. Lance is currently battling Cooper Rush to be the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott. If he keeps up his improved performance, he may enter Week 1 as Dallas' second-string quarterback.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) was back at practice on Monday, which is a good sign, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes this injury may linger into the regular season. Herbert is recovering from a plantar fascia problem in his right foot, and there's a chance his mobility will be limited until he's fully healed from the issue at some point later this year. On top of that, the 26-year-old star signal-caller missed nearly three weeks worth of valuable reps in training camp as he acclimates to new head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive scheme. After seeing most of his previous top targets from last season depart this offseason, Herbert is trending down for fantasy purposes and heading into 2024 as a borderline QB1/2.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) looked good in his return to training camp practice on Monday, his first since being diagnosed with a plantar-fascia injury in his right foot on July 31. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was steadfast throughout the injury process that Herbert wouldn't miss a beat in adapting to a new offense. Herbert didn't do any work in full-team situations on Monday but got plenty of snaps in 7-on-7 drills, with Harbaugh saying that "he looked great with a capital G. No drop-off, pinpoint accuracy. He looked really good." The 26-year-old started 62 consecutive games, the second-longest streak by a QB, before a fracture to his right index finger in Week 14 in 2023 ended his season. With Herbert back at practice, it looks like he'll be ready in plenty of time for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, where he'll be a QB2 with upside in a new offense.

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) is eager to return to team drills this week. After passing his physical and rejoining practice on August 7, Williams has been limited to individual drills while he recovers from a torn ACL. The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, missing 19 games, including playoffs. Returning to team drills would give Williams two weeks to build chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers before the Jets' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on September 9. These reps are crucial for Williams, who joined the Jets this offseason with uncertainty about his readiness for Week 1. If he can stay healthy and develop a connection with Rodgers, Williams could become a valuable, though unpredictable, flex option in the Jets' passing game alongside top receiver Garrett Wilson.