The preseason represents something different for everyone on the LA Chargers roster. For some, it's a chance to tune up before the regular season, for others, it's a chance to climb the depth chart from second string to first string; for an unfortunately large group, it's an audition to other teams in the league with no real future in Los Angeles.
With the Chargers playing in this year's Hall of Fame Game, there are going to be countless players who suit up and never see the light of day with the Bolts near the regular season. After all, the Chargers have an extra preseason game and cannot afford any injuries to significant players.
For some, the Hall of Fame Game might be the only time they actually put on a Chargers jersey in a game setting. That very well could be the case with former Clemson, Oregon State, and Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.
DJ Uiagalelei will suit up for the first (and last) time with the Chargers
It's not uncommon for undrafted free agents to hardly last with a team but Uiagalelei is notable because of his background. Once one of the best high school recruits in the entire country, Uiagalelei could never put it together in college and went from a way-too-early first-round prospect to a UDFA.
Uiagalelei slots in as the QB4 on the Chargers depth chart with no real chance of making the roster. Early on in camp it appeared that he and Trey Lance were battling for the QB3 job but that may no longer be the case.
Lance is starting Thursday's Hall of Fame Game and is going to play the entire first half and into the third quarter. That is when Uiagalelei will come in as signal-caller in what might be his only appearance on the Bolts.
Lance has gotten plenty of reps with the second-team offense during camp which seems to indicate that he is far and above Uiagalelei on the depth chart. Instead of Lance being embroiled in a battle for the QB3 job, he may actually be battling for the backup quarterback job.
With that in mind, it's safe to assume the Chargers will go to a two-quarterback approach once they reach the "normal" part of the preseason. Lance and Taylor Heinicke should each play one half in the last three preseason games, leaving no snaps for Uiagalelei.
Uiagalelei may stick around on the team until the Chargers have to cut down the roster but it will solely be so he can be a camp body and an emergency third quarterback in the preseason in case the two backups get hurt.
When it comes to actual playing time, it's safe to assume that Uiagalelei's Chargers debut will also his his Chargers swan song. Perhaps he can do enough to interest another team to take a chance on him on their respective pracitce squad.