When Trey Lance found out about Justin Herbert’s hand injury in Week 13's game against the Raiders, the backup quarterback knew he was up.
Not knowing how long he was going to be in or anything else about the situation, Lance took the field with none of that on his mind.
"I really don't think too much of it, that's my job," Lance said on Wednesday. "I prepare like it could happen any week."
Lance later added: "Present focus and taking it one play at a time, any time I'm in, regardless of the situation."
The 25-year-old quarterback promptly led the Chargers next offensive series for eight plays, including a nine-yard pass and four-yard run, before Herbert returned to the game a few minutes into the second quarter.
And now he enters a similar situation of having to stay ready this week for the Chargers with the status of Herbert unknown heading into Monday Night Football.
Herbert underwent successful surgery Monday to stabilize a fracture in his left hand, as he and Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said they are hopeful he plays in Week 14 against the Eagles.
With things in the air and day-to-day at the moment, Lance continued to echo that it's business as usual.
"Honestly, nothing really changes," Lance said.
Check out the best photos from practice on Wednesday at The Bolt in El Segundo!
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Herbert did not practice on Wednesday, meaning Lance took the first-team reps with the offense.
It was something he was more than ready for after being on scout team the whole season.
"It's always fun to get reps and get in there," Lance said. "It was good to get back out there, not just scout team. It was exciting to get reps with [Quentin Johnston], Ladd [McConkey], the O-line, everyone."
Even if Lance doesn't get the start and Herbert plays, these reps could be crucial as he could have a role regardless.
Herbert did not line up under center, staying in shotgun and pistol formations on Sunday when he returned from injury and said Wednesday it's something he will 'ideally' test later in the week.
Harbaugh laid out earlier in the week that because of this, Lance could have been an option on goal line and short-yardage situations against the Raiders, and could get reps in those scenarios this week.
Lance said approaching this possibility is the same as if he had to go in the game at any given moment — just be as prepared as he can be if the moment comes.
"It's really the same. We have the goal line, short-yardage packages, same as third down, first or second downs," Lance said. "Whatever the package is, I feel like I prepare the same every single phase of the game.
"Nothing really changes, if they want me to go in and take a snap or do something, then great, if not then great," Lance added.
If Lance is up on Monday night, he's earned more than enough confidence from his fellow teammates and coaches.
Harbaugh said he's been impressed with Lance since the moment he arrived in the offseason, as he's continued to do good things on a day-to-day basis.
It's followed onto the field as well, as evidenced by Sunday's appearance, as the Chargers Head Coach and the staff like what they've seen from the quarterback.
"Just that presence that he has while he's out there, calm cool, collected," Harbaugh said. "Put in that position he was calm, cool and collected. Goes about his responsibilities, that's the quarterback's, that's his job.
"Be the leader on the field and leader in terms of executing the run play or the pass play with efficiency, securing the ball and added responsibility of making sure that we win," Harbaugh added.
Quarterbacks coach Shane Day added: "He's learned the system, knows it inside and out, is prepared every week if we call on him. I'm excited with his development."
Herbert echoed the sentiment, adding that he's more than ready to help Lance with whatever he needs to prepare.
"That's when meetings are most important," Herbert said. "Just watching film and talking about things we've done and things we're planning to do in this game.
"Trey has done such a great job of supporting me throughout these 14 weeks and that's the least I can do for him if that's the situation that unfolds," Herbert said. "But to have a guy like that in our quarterback room, it means a ton to me, and I'll be there for him if it doesn't work out for me."
The situation will unfold throughout the week, but Harbaugh has a lot of confidence in the Bolts backup no matter what ends up happening.
He's seen up close how Lance prepares on a week to week basis and doesn't expect anything different this week.
"No different than last week or the week before," Harbaugh said. "That's the point, he's come in every Tuesday, every Wednesday, every Thursday, every Friday, every Saturday, every Sunday with the mindset of getting himself prepared to get in the game, which is always the best strategy.
"Better to be prepared and not have your opportunity come than have your opportunity come and not be prepared," Harbaugh added.
Lance's mindset remains the same, even if the week is a little different than the past 13.
"This is Justin's squad, Justin's team," Lance said. "If he's healthy enough to go, that's great, let's go find a way to win.
"I'm just going to continue do whatever I can to help the team win," Lance added.
