With Justin Herbert now out for the year due to a finger injury, can a past Football Championship Subdivision standout “Stick” around for the Los Angeles Chargers for another season?
Easton Stick has his first real NFL opportunity in Week 15. Stick is expected to make his first start of his career against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football. After fighting for a roster spot coming out of camp, Stick won the QB2 outright and now has his first real chance to make an impact on an NFL game.
Chargers Make Game-Day Decision With Easton Stick
The Bolts have already made this decision involving the former North Dakota State Bison signal-caller: Stick gets the start on Thursday vs. the Raiders. Thursday’s prime-time matchup against a division foe represents the first starting opportunity of Stick’s career.
With a future that is uncertain beyond this season’s one-year deal, a good performance on a national stage could go a long way in extending Stick’s NFL career. Even if it isn’t with the Chargers, putting good tape for the world to see can only help his future cause.
Stick Won Over Previous Chargers Regime
Stick represents the final QB selection of the Anthony Lynn regime for the Chargers. Lynn was head coach for four seasons with the Bolts and went 34-32 overall.
But how did Stick catch the attention of the Chargers as an FCS prospect? For starters, he once had to take over for another past top-10 NFL Draft pick in NDSU legend Carson Wentz.
In 2015, Stick went undefeated in eight total starts for the Bison and combined for 1,642 yards (1,144 passing), 13 touchdown passes, and four interceptions. Two years later, he was named the FCS title game’s Most Valuable Player in a season that saw 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Stick ended his NDSU career with one more national title — throwing 28 touchdowns, 17 rushing touchdowns, seven picks, and this time earning the Walter Payton Award, which honors the best player in the FCS.
In the same fashion as Wentz, Stick was his own running and throwing threat that eventually won over a Chargers team pre-Brandon Staley and Herbert. He came over having thrived in an RPO (run-pass option) style offense mixed with some pro set concepts.
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Stick was considered a rhythmic passer but benefitted from the Bison offense, as it helped mask his lack of arm strength and deliverance of tight-window throws.
There was also the question of whether the mobile Stick would be quick enough to evade NFL defenders with his reported 4.62 speed in the 40-yard dash. But through it all, Stick has stuck around Los Angeles and managed to re-sign with the team on March 13, 2023. But now, a new challenge awaits Stick.
Prized Rookie Using Herbert Injury To Move Up Roster
While it is Stick’s job for at least Thursday night, he now has Max Duggan breathing down his neck right behind him in the Chargers’ QB room. Duggan has now been moved to the active roster in a corresponding move of Herbert going on injured reserve.
The TCU star and national title game runner-up had lost the competition out of camp as Stick beat him out for the QB2 job but is once again on Stick’s heels as they look to finish out the 2023 season.
For right now, it is Stick’s job to lose, but when it comes to the NFL, things could change at any time, and with the pedigree of Duggan behind him, who knows if he may also get a chance at it before the season ends.
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