Jim Harbaugh reveals how much Chargers starters will play vs. Rams

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he expects most of the starters to play in their preseason finale against the Rams. 

Harbaugh said he expects the starters to play around “six to nine plays.” 

“More a matter of plays to me. Somewhere in 6-8 range, 6-9 kind of a range,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh also added that the only starters who won't be out there are veteran defenders Derwin James Jr. and Khalil Mack. 

The decision to hold out James and Mack is more about caution and rest than anything else. With the preseason carrying little long-term significance, there's no reason for the Chargers to risk two of their most important defensive players.

In their Week 2 preseason loss to the 49ers, the Chargers' starters played only one series. The offense was not pretty, as their series lasted only three plays and totaled eight yards. It was a disastrous showing overall. 

The Chargers hope that things are vastly different by Thursday's kickoff. 

Harbaugh is set to enter his third season at the helm for the Chargers. His first two seasons were to behold, leading Los Angeles to a 22-12 record with back-to-back 11-win seasons; however, he has yet to lead them to a playoff win. 

The Chargers and Harbaugh hope the tide changes in 2026 with a revamped team on both sides of the ball. The offense and defense have new coordinators at the helm, and each is expected to elevate those units into one of the best in the NFL. 

There's a long way to go in that department, but expectations are sky-high for Los Angeles for the upcoming season.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Jim Harbaugh reveals how much Chargers starters will play vs. Rams