Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Easton Stick

Wednesday, August 28, 8:22 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).

Sunday, September 22, 10:28 AM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick could be asked to start under center during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team is preparing to start Justin Herbert (ankle), but they haven't made a final decision. If Herbert sits, the Chargers plan to use some strategy that involves both Stick and veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke. This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen against a tough Steelers defense. Stick threw for 1,129 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception in five games (four starts) with the Chargers last season. The former fifth-round pick seems like a capable backup, but is not a recommended fantasy option if Herbert is unable to play.