The 49ers spoil Trey Lance’s return to the Bay Area with a 30-23 win over the Chargers
The San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious in their final exhibition game against the Los Angeles Chargers, with a score of 30-23. The game marked Trey Lance’s return to Levi’s Stadium, where he played his first game since being traded to the Dallas Cowboys two summers ago. Despite the loss, Lance expressed that he enjoyed the experience and approached the game with a professional mindset.
The highlight of the game came when Curtis Robinson intercepted DJ Uiagalelei and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown, giving the 49ers the lead with just over six minutes remaining. This play proved to be the game-changer for San Francisco.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh also made a return to Levi’s Stadium, reminiscing about his time as the 49ers coach. Both Lance and Harbaugh shared their gratitude for the experiences they had in San Francisco.
Lance, who is vying for the backup quarterback position behind Justin Herbert, struggled to make an impact on the game. He faced a 49ers defense that fielded only a few starters and failed to sustain drives, resulting in three consecutive punts for the Chargers. Despite this, Harbaugh praised Lance’s potential and skill set, highlighting his youth and talent as a quarterback.
The game saw a lack of excitement in the early stages, with both teams combining for eight punts in the first quarter. However, the momentum shifted when Luke Grimm muffed a punt, leading to a touchdown for the 49ers. Additionally, Niners kicker Jake Moody, who had a strong performance in the previous game, faced some challenges in this game, missing an extra point and raising concerns about his reliability for the upcoming season.
Injuries also plagued both teams, with undrafted rookie cornerback Jakob Robinson breaking his forearm, ending his chances of making the 49ers’ roster. On the Chargers’ side, WR Jacob Cowing and WR Jauan Jennings faced setbacks due to injuries, with Cowing expected to miss at least six weeks and Jennings recovering from a calf injury.
Looking ahead, the Chargers will kick off their season against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil on Sept. 5, while the 49ers will face the Seattle Seahawks in their opener on Sept. 7. Overall, the game served as a valuable opportunity for both teams to evaluate their rosters and make final preparations before the regular season begins.
