The Los Angeles Chargers face the Los Angeles Rams in Preseason Week 3 on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium. Nationally televised on NFL Network and locally on CBS Los Angeles, the preseason finale features key starters like Justin Herbert seeing limited action while roster-bubble players compete for final spots.
- Game Time & Location: Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with the Chargers serving as the designated away team.
- How to Watch: Broadcast nationally on the NFL Network and locally on CBS Los Angeles (KCBS), with streaming available via NFL+ and Fubo.
- Starters Plan: Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that all starters except Derwin James and Khalil Mack will play, pointing to early snaps for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Navigating the Preseason Finale at SoFi Stadium
As the exhibition calendar draws to a close this week, the battle for roster survival hits its final iteration under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium. Even though the Chargers share the venue as their home turf, they technically enter tonight’s matchup as the visiting squad against the Rams. For the coaching staff, this final audition represents the last chance to evaluate depth pieces before the mandatory roster cuts loom.
Here is the kicker: unlike typical preseason finales where starters stay safely sidelined in baseball caps, Jim Harbaugh is running a different playbook. According to reports from the field, nearly every major starter on the roster will see the turf. The lone exceptions to this rule are safety Derwin James and edge rusher Khalil Mack, leaving the door wide open for high-profile offensive anchors to get some live reps.
That means football fans tuning in tonight could see franchise quarterback Justin Herbert under center behind the first-team offensive line. That group includes stalwart offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, giving the unit a brief tune-up before the regular season kicks into high gear.
Broadcast Details, TV Schedule, and Streaming Options
For fans wanting to catch every snap, multiple viewing paths are available depending on your market. Nationally, the game will be broadcast live on the NFL Network. Local viewers in the Los Angeles and Orange County markets can tune in via CBS Los Angeles (KCBS). Additional regional broadcasts cover San Diego on CBS 8 KFMB, Monterey via KSBW, Fresno through KSEE, Salt Lake City on KTVX, and Sacramento via KQCA, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
The booth features a powerhouse broadcasting trio. Play-by-play duties belong to Noah Eagle, joined by analyst Dan Fouts and sideline reporter Jaime Maggio. Streaming options are accessible for cord-cutters through NFL+ subscriptions, Fubo, and the official Chargers app, though local blackout and location restrictions apply for regional mobile streaming.
Radio coverage offers another classic avenue for listeners. English broadcasts air on KFI AM-640, featuring the familiar voices of Matt “Money” Smith, analyst Daniel Jeremiah, and sideline reporter Shannon Farren, according to coverage highlighted by Chargers Wire. Additional regional radio affiliates carrying the game include KNWZ 970 AM, KNWH-AM, KECY in Palm Springs, KATY-FM 101.3 in San Bernardino, KORE AM 1050 / 102.9 FM in Eugene, Oregon, KNCU-FM 92.7 in Newport, Oregon, and KBFP AM 800 in Bakersfield.
Roster Stakes and the Preseason Economics
Beyond the marquee names getting a series or two of work, Preseason Week 3 is defined by the high-stakes drama of the roster bubble. Dozens of undrafted free agents and late-round additions are fighting for the final handful of spots on the 53-man roster. For these players, maximum effort on special teams and high-leverage defensive snaps is the only currency that matters.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, August 27, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 7:00 p.m. PT |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California) |
| National TV | NFL Network |
| Local TV | CBS Los Angeles (KCBS) |
| Play-by-Play | Noah Eagle |
| Analysts | Dan Fouts |
| Sideline Reporter | Jaime Maggio |
| Primary Radio | KFI AM-640 (Matt “Money” Smith, Daniel Jeremiah, Shannon Farren) |
The Takeaway
As the final whistle blows tonight at SoFi Stadium, the exhibition chapter closes and the real work begins for the Chargers. Whether you are tuning in on the NFL Network to catch Justin Herbert’s limited drives or tracking the roster-bubble hopefuls fighting for their professional lives, this finale marks the true threshold of the football year. Drop a comment below and let us know which bubble player you are rooting for to make the final cut.
