Los Angeles kicker Cameron Dicker was cash money last season, making 39 of his 42 field goals — a figure that includes a 9 for 11 field goal percentage on attempts of 50 yards or deeper. However, his 52-yard attempt Thursday night doinked off the left upright and out for a miss. Dicker is still shaking off the rust ahead of the 2025 season
Dan Campbell gave Stuard a second chance after an opening drive fumble, and he rewarded his head coach’s faith with a 36-yard return out to the Lions’ 35.
Los Angeles backup quarterback Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, perfectly executed a play-action bootleg on fourth-and-2 from the Detroit five to hit veteran tight end Will Dissly for a five-yard touchdown. The Chargers capitalize on the Lions’ fumbled kickoff and cash in the good field position for a 7-0 lead.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell decided to have some fun on the opening kickoff by deciding to let linebacker Grant Stuard return the opening kickoff. He reached the 27 before fumbling the opening kickoff, which may ensure this return is his last. The Chargers take over on the Lions’ 28 for their first drive.
The big news outside of this game, but not entirely irrelevant to it, is Terry McLaurin requesting a trade from the Washington Commanders, as ESPN reported. This is almost certainly a leverage play by McLaurin, who said just weeks ago he still hoped to resolve financial differences with Washington. But the Chargers have reason to call Washington: Justin Herbert could still use a proven complement to Ladd McConkey out wide. We’ve got L.A. as one of the top potential landing spots for the Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Three key players to watch
2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game where to watch: Trey Lance to start for Chargers vs. Lions
