Chargers’ Easton Stick to Serve as Emergency QB Against Raiders

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Easton Stick will remain in an emergency role for the Los Angeles Chargers as they face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The backup quarterback is inactive for the game, with Justin Herbert starting and Taylor Heinicke serving as the primary backup. Stick would only enter the game if both Herbert and Heinicke were unavailable due to injury, illness, or ejection.

Stick, who has yet to take a snap this season, has been a consistent presence on the Chargers’ roster as the third-string quarterback. The team is pushing for the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, making every game critical. Head coach Brandon Staley emphasized the importance of depth at the quarterback position, stating, “We have confidence in all three of our quarterbacks, and Easton is ready if called upon.”

The Chargers’ decision to keep Stick inactive reflects their confidence in Herbert and Heinicke, who have both seen significant playing time this season. Herbert, the team’s star quarterback, has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, while Heinicke has provided reliable support in relief appearances.

Stick, a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has primarily served as a developmental player for the Chargers. His role as an emergency quarterback underscores the team’s focus on maintaining stability at the position during their playoff push. The Chargers face a must-win scenario against the Raiders to keep their postseason hopes alive.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Herbert and the Chargers’ offense, which ranks among the league’s most potent. Stick’s presence on the sideline serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where depth and preparation can make all the difference.