Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has established a structured plan to play his starters and veterans during the 2026 NFL preseason, which he revealed at his media availability on Saturday.
In the first game against the Texans, which is on Thursday, August 13, approximately 15 veterans and starters will participate in pre-game warm-ups but will not take the field for game action. Roughly 27 players will handle the snaps to evaluate depth.
In the second game against the 49ers on Thursday, August 20, the starting units and veterans are scheduled to play exactly one series.
To close out preseason play on Thursday, August 27, the first-team units will increase their workload to two series before shifting focus to the regular-season opener.
With the starting left guard position the most compelling battle, the team expects to solidify its first-team offensive line combination around the second preseason game.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers preseason strategy: Will the starters play?
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire | USA TODAY Network
