Jim Harbaugh puts Chargers backup quarterbacks on notice with honest take

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh did not mince words when expressing disappointment in the play of backup quarterbacks Max Duggan and Casey Bauman.

Per ESPN's Kris Rhim, Harbaugh had this to say when asked about the signing of UFL quarterback Luis Perez:

I thought Easton [Stick] wasn't really having any competition or enough competition. Message to Max [Duggan] and Casey [Bauman], we've gotta step up the game.

When Harbaugh speaks, he means what he says. If speaking about a player, it has always been positive. Just a few weeks ago, Harbaugh had nothing but glowing things to say about 2023 first-round selection Quentin Johnston, even with all the struggles from the previous year.

Going out of his way to say there wasn't anyone stepping up to compete with Stick while signing another backup quarterback is pretty telling. The message is clear: Both Duggan and Bauman are not making this roster at their current play level and are in jeopardy of losing their jobs to the new guy.

The Chargers host the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow to kick off the 2024 NFL preseason. Keep an eye on how the backup quarterbacks perform with a fire lit under them.