Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday that "veteran traditional starters" won't play Thursday against Lions in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game.

This group includes the obvious names such as Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Khalil Mack and Derwin James, Jr., but also includes others such as Daiyan Henley and Quentin Johnston.

Trey Lance will start at quarterback for the Bolts and is expected to play at least the first half, Harbaugh said.

"He's had a heck of a camp," Harbaugh said of Lance, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Harbaugh later added: "I just want to get Trey Lance game experience. With his career and then in college, he doesn't have as much as most guys."

DJ Uiagalelei is slated to come in during the second half while Taylor Heinicke will dress and serve as the emergency third quarterback.

Harbaugh said a number of Bolts rookies, including Omarion Hampton, Tre' Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, will also get their first taste of the NFL.

"Yeah, I expect Omarion to get action, Tre' Harris, KLS, DD [Derius Davis]," Harbaugh said. "Most all of our receivers will be playing. All of them will be playing, that aren't working through something, with the exception of Ladd [McConkey] and Quentin."

Harbaugh also noted that Zion Johnson, who has worked at center and left guard in camp, is expected to play "a couple of drives" in Canton, Ohio.

"I think he took another step," Harbaugh said of Johnson taking center reps in padded practices. "Excited to see him in the game. He's going to start at center. Those are really valuable opportunities."

The Chargers and Lions will open preseason play at 5 p.m. (PT) on Thursday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.