STICK GETS START AS HERBERT TO SIT

Many of the Chargers’ starters concluded their preseason Friday, with two exhibitions still to be played.

A pair of joint practices with San Francisco represented the only game action for the likes of quarterback Justin Herbert in advance of the team’s regular-season opener Sept. 12 in Washington.

Rookie head coach Brandon Staley made the decision to not play most of his starters until things become real, continuing a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years around the NFL.

The Chargers and 49ers are set to kick off at 4:30 p.m. today at Sofi Stadium in Week 2 of the preseason.

Here are a few things that are worth watching about a game that otherwise counts for nothing:

Offensive line development

Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco brought in four new starters in the offseason to join returning right tackle Bryan Bulaga. That’s how much improvement was needed in front of Herbert.

But Bulaga, coming off a year in which he struggled to stay on the field, continues to battle to remain healthy even as the Chargers monitored his workload throughout training camp.

First-round pick

Rashawn Slater impressed in his first exhibition action last weekend, but he won’t play against San Francisco because of a lower-back issue.

The Chargers need to find contingencies upfront in preparing for the 17-game grind that’s coming.

Returnees such as Storm Norton and Trey Pipkins (who missed practice Friday because of the birth of his child) and newcomers like

Brenden Jaimes are facing vital snaps in trying to establish themselves as trustworthy.

Herbert’s backup

Easton Stick, a fifthround selection in 2019, is scheduled to start today after veteran Chase Daniel started the preseason opener.

Telesco has touted Stick since the quarterback joined the Chargers after a wildly successful career at North Dakota State. But his NFL career right now consists of two snaps.

Daniel is entering his 12th season as a pro and has an abundance of history running the Chargers’ new offense, even though he has started only five NFL games.

If the Chargers have to play a second quarterback this season, there can be little doubt today that Daniel, based on nothing more than his experience, would give them the better chance to win.

Still, Stick is being presented with the opportunity to prove he’s an option, too.

Next running back up

With Justin Jackson (groin) hurt again, the Chargers’ search for running back dependability continues.

After starter Austin Ekeler and still-developing Joshua Kelley, they have Larry Rountree III and Darius Bradwell. Rountree was taken in the sixth round in May and Bradwell is a former undrafted free agent.

Both produced moments last weekend and should receive more chances to do so today.