Chargers vs 49ers: Preseason Finale Recap & Key Stats

Welcome Back, Trey Lance

Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium featured the homecoming of quarterback Trey Lance, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, facing his former team for the first time since his trade. While Lance started three drives for the Chargers, he was kept in check by the 49ers defense, finishing 5-of-8 for 38 yards. This preseason finale provided closure and reflection for Lance—who was drafted third overall by the 49ers in 2021 but only started four games before the move.

Defensive Battle to Start

The first quarter was a punt-fest, with both squads struggling to move the chains. In fact, the 49ers and Chargers combined for eight punts before either offense found its footing. Defensive energy was high, with both teams limiting big plays and enforcing frequent third-down stops.

Turnovers & Momentum Shifts

As the game progressed, turnovers defined the narrative. Chargers linebacker Marlowe Wax swung momentum with a strip-sack, helping set up DJ Uiagalelei's 25-yard touchdown pass to Oronde Gadsden II. The 49ers answered in the second half, leveraging takeaways into points—including a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Curtis Robinson, which gave San Francisco the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.

Standout Performances

• Chargers QB DJ Uiagalelei: 16/31, 170 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

• 49ers QB Tanner Mordecai: 10/13, 103 yards, 1 TD

• 49ers QB Carter Bradley: 8/14, 71 yards, 1 TD

• Chargers RB Raheim Sanders: 13 carries, 48 yards

• 49ers RB Jeff Wilson Jr.: 11 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD

• Chargers WR Dalevon Campbell: 4 catches, 73 yards

• Chargers WR Oronde Gadsden II: 3 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD

• 49ers WR Demarcus Robinson: 2 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD

• 49ers WR Terique Owens: 1 catch, 22 yards, 1 TD

Key Injuries & Roster Notes

• 49ers CB Jakob Robinson broke his forearm, ending his bid for a roster spot.

• WR Jacob Cowing (49ers) is out at least six weeks with a hamstring injury.

• WR Jauan Jennings (49ers) is expected to return before the regular season opener.

Score Summary & Stats Table

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final	Pass Yds	Rush Yds	Total Yds	Turnovers
SF	0	6	10	14	30	174	83	238	2
LAC	0	13	0	10	23	239	82	321	4

Closing Thoughts

San Francisco’s ability to turn Chargers’ mistakes into points paved the way to victory, with the defense and opportunistic offense carrying the night. For the Chargers, promising moments from Uiagalelei, Gadsden, and Sanders offer a foundation to build on heading into the regular season. The 49ers head to Seattle for Week 1, while the Chargers will travel to Brazil to open their campaign against the Chiefs.