As the Chargers approach their final practice of the week, one key question lingers: Who will lead the offense against the Rams? With injured star quarterback Justin Herbert recovering, coach Jim Harbaugh must decide between Easton Stick and Luis Perez.

Harbaugh opted to start Stick, citing his notable improvement throughout the week, particularly with his timing.

“I thought Easton had a good week,” Harbaugh said.

After a shaky start, both Stick and Perez looked sharp on Thursday. Stick ran with the first team most of the week, while Perez took snaps with the second and third teams.

To Stick’s advantage, receivers Joshua Palmer and Ladd McConkey are expected to play, though sparingly.

Young Linebackers

The linebacking corps emerged as a bright spot in the first preseason game, with Daiyan Henley, Tuli Tuipulotu, Troy Dye, and Nick Niemann stepping up as key contributors.

Khalil Mack will not play again, while Joey Bosa, who has been absent since the Chargers-Rams joint practice on Aug. 4, also is ruled out. Denzel Perryman’s status remains uncertain.

Niemann, who had a standout performance last week with a team-high 12 tackles, might not get the chance to build on that success. He left practice Tuesday with trainers and has been absent since.

However, third-round draft pick Junior Colson has a chance to make his highly anticipated debut. After recovering from appendix surgery, Colson participated in full team practice for the first time this week.

More Running Game

The offensive staff’s primary goal this season is to establish a powerful running game with steadfast backs combined with a physical offensive line.

That ambition led to signing former Baltimore Ravens running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins and Will Dissly, one of the NFL’s best run-blocking tight ends.

“Every day at practice … we are really buying into our identity,” starting left tackle Rashawn Slater said.

For the second week in a row, however, Edwards and Dobbins will not play.

Edwards, who has been eased into the offense after an undisclosed offseason surgery, received his heaviest workload in practice this week, suggesting he was close to game ready.

Dobbins saw limited action throughout the week. Considering his significant injury history, his workload is being cautiously managed. Dobbins has said, however, he is fully recovered from a torn Achilles injury that ended his 2023 season in Week 1.

Their absences open the door for competition for the third running back spot.

Jarett Patterson, who started against the Seahawks, Elijah Dotson, who played the most snaps, and Isaiah Spiller are in the mix.

Additionally, sixth-round rookie Kimani Vidal should see his first game action. He missed some time early in training camp.

Harbaugh expressed excitement about Vidal’s potential debut, noting the rookie had an impressive week of practice.