The Los Angeles Chargers released quarterback Taylor Heinicke on Tuesday, opening the door for Trey Lance to become Justin Herbert's backup.

Lance, 25, was signed to a one-year deal worth up to $2 million this offseason. He spent the last two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, appearing in four games with just one start during that span.

The former third overall pick came out firing in the preseason, completing 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns in Los Angeles' 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. He led all Chargers signal-callers in passing yards this preseason with 334.

Heinicke, 32, spent last season as Herbert's backup, but didn't see any significant playing time with Herbert starting all 17 games.

Lance owns a 2-3 record in five starts across four seasons. He has 1,063 passing yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions since entering the NFL.