With Herbert out, ‘the preparation continues’
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The biggest news that has come out of the Los Angeles Chargers training camp is a foot injury suffered by quarterback Justin Herbert. According to a statement released by the team, Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right football.
The statement goes on to say that doctors have recommended Herbert’s foot be placed in a boot with the expectation of a “graduated return to play protocol-with the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.”
The Chargers open the regular season on Sept. 8 at SoFi Stadium against the Las Vegas Raiders. Their first preseason game is on Aug. 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, also at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh surveys the action during a training camp practice at the team’s facility in El Segundo, California on Aug. 1, 2024. Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline
With this scenario in mind, there’s a good chance that Herbert could miss all of the preseason with an eye on the season-opener between the Chargers and their dreaded AFC West Division rivals.
Regarding Herbert’s injury, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said during a press conference on Aug. 1 that everything is still a go for his team even with their superstar quarterback hobbled.
“The preparation continues and full steam ahead,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh dismissed the notion that with Herbert out it might affect the chemistry or disrupt the schemes of the offensive unit.
“Like I said, full steam ahead,” Harbaugh remarked. “The preparation, you know, the work continues. You know, he’s not on the field, in the practice. But meeting room, still in the training environment, that chemistry; that rapport that you build with those position players…his teammates…that continues.”
When asked by a reporter if Herbert was injured on a specific play in practice, Harbaugh gave a blunt reply.
“Not qualified to know when it happened,” said Harbaugh “He was evaluated last night, diagnosed last night and now we’re following the instructions of the doctors.”
Heading into his fifth season as a pro, Herbert is coming off a 2023 season in which he completed 65 percent of his passes and threw for 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns. The number of touchdowns and yards thrown by Herbert last season was the lowest amount he has passed for in one year.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) goes through drills during a training camp practice at the team’s El Segundo facility on Aug. 1, 2024. Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline
In 2021, Herbert enjoyed his greatest season as a passer, throwing for 5,014 yards and 38 scores through the air.
With Herbert now unavailable to carry out the offensive scheme on the field, Harbaugh will rely on longtime backup Easton Stick to perform those duties.
“He was the same that he was the day before; just attacking. He attacks everything that he does,” said Harbaugh. “The way that he goes about his business is always top-notch.”
Top Photo Caption: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert at working during a training camp practice. Photo credit: Carlos Jones/News4usonline