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Chargers quarterback Luis Perez (11), shown passing against the Seahawks four days after he was signed, already is competing for the No. 2 job. (Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
The Chargers face a key decision heading into the second week of the preseason: Will Easton Stick continue to lead the offense against their L.A. neighbors, the Rams, on Saturday, or will newcomer Luis Perez take over?
As of Monday, Stick remains the Chargers’ starter, working with the first-team offense, while Perez — signed last week — already was taking reps with the second team. Both Stick and Perez received a nearly equal number of reps under center.
Perez is now securely slotted as the No. 2 quarterback behind Stick, especially after Max Duggan saw limited action in practice and Casey Bauman was released.
On the practice field, Stick appeared to be at a similar level as last week, making several solid passes.
Meanwhile, Perez showed progress, gradually becoming more comfortable with the offense and playbook while delivering some solid throws. Harbaugh coached Perez closely throughout practice.
Read more: Jim Harbaugh sees ‘a lot of work to be done’ as Chargers struggle in preseason opener
“For being here just four days, he acclimated himself well,” Harbaugh said. “We’re excited about him and coaching him up. … Now we want more.”
Harbaugh’s assessment of Perez is that he’s attacking the challenge and putting in the work to compete, arriving early at the facilities and staying late.
“I can guarantee the guy has an opportunity … so competitors are welcome,” Harbaugh said.
When evaluating his two quarterbacks, Harbaugh avoided giving a practice grade “for public consumption,” stating that both quarterbacks looked good. In his view, the team is a meritocracy, and the best player will start Saturday.
The question remains: Who will it be?
Harbaugh is trying to avoid the quarterback situation from becoming a pseudo-quarterback controversy. Considering Stick’s performance…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/newcomer-luis-perez-already-competing-223725541.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-08-12 22:37:25
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