Rookie receivers lead Chargers in preseason loss

Rookie Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith spark a developing Chargers receiving corps in a close preseason loss to the Rams.

Rookie receivers shine as Chargers fall to Rams in preseason

The Chargers lost 23-22 to the Rams in a Saturday night preseason game at SoFi Stadium, and the headline act was the growth of the rookie receivers. Tre Harris led the team with six catches for 85 yards, while KeAndre Lambert-Smith added two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. Luke Grimm also made a notable impact, returning a punt 66 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The game also featured a concussion for Quentin Johnston on the opening drive, sending him to the hospital for precautionary checks and opening more chances for the young group.

Coach Jim Harbaugh stressed that the preseason is about development, not final results. The rookies seized the moment, particularly Harris and Lambert-Smith, who both flashed big-play ability on multiple drives. Herbert played the opening series, and the rookies benefited from extended action as the team evaluated depth behind the established receivers. The Rams mounted a late drive to win, highlighting how preseason games can swing on a handful of plays while underscoring the need for continuity as the Chargers build a cohesive unit around a younger group.

This game matters more for long-term plans than for the standings. The Chargers appear to be building a depth chart that could matter come September, when injuries and fatigue thin rosters. Harris’s breakout shows he has the physical tools to contribute, while Lambert-Smith demonstrated reliable hands and speed on critical third downs and downfield routes. Grimm’s punt-return TD adds another dimension to a potential special teams role. The injury to Johnston is a reminder that development comes with risk, but the overall arc is encouraging. If these rookies sustain this level of play, the team gains flexibility in the pass game and can avoid overreliance on a small group of veterans.

The broader takeaway is about momentum. Preseason reviews often hinge on small samples, yet the Chargers can’t ignore the signal: a crop of young receivers is proving capable of stepping forward when given opportunities. The coaching staff will watch health, consistency, and how this group handles better coverage as the calendar pushes toward the regular season.

Highlights

The true test comes when the games count and opponents tighten coverages.