Who is the Chargers’ backup quarterback? Los Angeles’ QB depth chart for 2025 behind Justin Herbert

In his first season as head coach in Los Angeles, Jim Harbaugh led Chargers to an 11-6 record to finish fifth.

The main reason for the Chargers’ success is quarterback Justin Herbert, who has 3,870 yards, 23 passing touchdowns and a league-leading three interceptions in all 17 games. Los Angeles has been fortunate not to have to deal with injuries at the quarterback position so far, but the franchise needs to be prepared in case something happens in the postseason.

So who is the Chargers’ backup quarterback? Here’s everything you need to know about Los Angeles’ depth chart.

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Who is the Chargers’ backup quarterback?

Taylor Heinicke is the Chargers’ backup quarterback, giving the Chargers a well-traveled option behind Herbert.

The 31-year-old played college football at Old Dominion, playing in 46 games over his four-year career with the Monarchs. In 2015, Heinicke went undrafted in the NFL draft, signing with… Vikings as an undrafted free agent.

From 2015 to 2017, Heinicke competed as a point guard for Minnesota, working his way up to the third striker position. However, he struggled with injuries throughout this time, and Minnesota released him with an injury designation before the start of the 2017 season.

After a short stay in Patriots‘training group, Heinicke signed a contract with Texans as a backup option during the 2017 season. He made his NFL debut with Houston that same year, but suffered a concussion after one completion that ended his season.

Next year Panthers He took Heinicke off waivers and named him his backup to Cam Newton, allowing him to play in six games. Heinicke made his first start for the Panthers, replacing Newton after the team’s late-season loss Falcons. After that season, Heinicke was a member of the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL, but did not appear at any games before the league suspended operations.

In December 2020, Heinicke joined Washingtontraining squad and became a reserve for Dwayne Haskins’ team. After one regular season start in Week 15, Heinicke started the wild-card playoff game against the Buccaneers. While Washington lost the game, Heinicke accounted for 306 yards passing, 46 yards rushing and two total touchdowns.

Heinicke re-signed with Washington on a two-year contract in the offseason, backing up Ryan Fitzpatrick, but was pushed into the starter’s position when Fitzpatrick was injured in Week 1. The following season, Heinicke was supposed to be a backup again, but he had to start games after Carson Wentz was injured.

In 2021 and 2022, Heinicke played in 24 games for the Commanders, compiling a record of 12-11-1 and totaling 32 passing touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

As a free agent in 2023, Heinicke signed a two-year contract with the Falcons to back up Desmond Ridder. Heinicke was once again promoted to the starter’s position, starting four games for the team this season.

During training camp this season, the Falcons traded for Heinicke, who lost his backup job when Atlanta brought in Kirk Cousins ​​and Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons reached an agreement with the Chargers, who swapped a sixth-round pick for Heinicke for backup Herbert.

The veteran played in four games for Los Angeles in 2024, all at a poor time as he made just 28 tackles on the season.

Chargers QB depth chart

Degree	Name
1.	Justyna Herbert
2.	Taylor Heinicke
3.	Easton Stick

The Chargers have three quarterbacks in their organization, and all three are healthy and on the active roster.

Heinicke is expected to replace Herbert if the Chargers quarterback suffers an injury in the playoffs. Los Angeles also has Easton Stick on the 53-man roster, as Stick was the team’s reserve last year and started four games when Herbert was injured in 2023.

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