Analysis

Heinicke spent the 2024 season with the Chargers as the backup to Justin Herbert but played only 22 offensive snaps while attempting five passes. He's spent parts of a few seasons as a starter and will once again be one of the more competent backups in the league.

Analysis

Heinicke's lack of work was expected, as long as the Chargers' starting quarterback, Justin Herbert remained healthy. The 31-year-old joined the franchise late in training camp due to a trade with the Falcons and ultimately won the backup job from Easton Stick. With Heinicke set to be an unrestricted free agent, he may find himself in a different uniform next season.

Analysis

Though he attempted just two passes over a quarter and a half of action, Heinicke took sacks on three of his other dropbacks. Both of the Chargers' starting tackles, Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (back), suffered injuries Sunday, which didn't help Heinicke's chances of leading the Chargers to a win, even though Herbert departed with the game tied at 10. Given that Herbert was listed as questionable heading into Sunday before aggravating his right high-ankle sprain, the Chargers may be inclined to take a more cautious approach with their franchise signal-caller heading into the Week 4 matchup with the Chiefs. If that's the case, Heinicke could be the preferred choice to step in as a starter rather than Easton Stick, who struggled during the preseason and ultimately wasn't called upon off the bench to replace Herbert in Sunday's contest, despite being active for the contest.