Chargers tab Tyrod Taylor as starting QB to open season

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn announced Wednesday that Tyrod Taylor will open the season as the team's starting quarterback, according to NFL Network's Omar Ruiz.

This means rookie first-rounder Justin Herbert will kick his NFL career off as Taylor's backup when the Chargers open their season Sept. 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"Until someone steps up and shows that they can run this team, that’s the way we're going in to it," Lynn told reporters, according to Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register. "Tyrod Taylor is our starter."

With no preseason games and less training camp reps available due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor was widely expected to have the starting advantage over the relatively raw former Oregon standout.

The veteran last started in 2018 for the Cleveland Browns, making way for Baker Mayfield after three contests. He signed with L.A. last offseason but didn't start any games.

Taylor made his name in three seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He completed 62.6% of his passes for 8,857 yards and 51 touchdowns against 16 interceptions through 44 games from 2015-17, earning one Pro Bowl nod.