EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will miss at least two weeks because of an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot.
The injury was diagnosed following practice Wednesday. Doctors expect that the fifth-year quarterback will be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said after practice Thursday night that he didn’t know when the injury might have occurred. He did say that Herbert was still attending meetings and doing some conditioning work.
Herbert will spend two weeks in a walking boot followed by what the Chargers termed “a graduated return to play protocol.”
It is the first significant injury during Harbaugh’s first training camp as Chargers coach. Harbaugh has made it a priority to slowly ramp up the intensity of practices in order to prevent soft tissue injuries.
However, it is another in a series of injuries for Herbert. In the past two seasons, Herbert has had bruised ribs, a torn labrum to his non-throwing shoulder and two broken fingers, including one on his throwing hand that caused him to miss the final four games last season.
Herbert had received plenty of praise from Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman during offseason workouts and training camp for his quickness in picking up the offence.
“The preparation continues. Full speed ahead,” said Harbaugh when asked if Herbert’s injury will impact their preseason plans.
Easton Stick, who started four games last season, will get most of the snaps with the first team. Los Angeles also has Max Duggan and undrafted rookie Casey Bauman on the roster.
“He was the same that he was the day before. He attacks everything he does. The way he goes about his business is top notch,” Harbaugh said about Stick.
The Los Angeles Chargers received some unfortunate news this week as star quarterback Justin Herbert will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a foot injury. This setback comes at a crucial time for the team as they are in the midst of a playoff push in a highly competitive AFC West division.
Herbert, who has been having a standout season, has been instrumental in the Chargers’ success this year. The second-year quarterback has thrown for over 3,500 yards and 27 touchdowns so far this season, leading the team to a 7-5 record and putting them in contention for a playoff spot.
With Herbert out of the lineup, backup quarterback Chase Daniel will step in to lead the offense. Daniel, a veteran journeyman who has spent time with several teams in his career, will need to step up and perform at a high level in Herbert’s absence in order to keep the Chargers’ playoff hopes alive.
The Chargers will need to rely on their strong defense and running game to help support Daniel during this challenging stretch without Herbert. The team will also need to rally together and find ways to win games in order to stay in the playoff hunt.
While losing Herbert is certainly a blow to the Chargers, the team will need to stay focused and continue to fight for victories in his absence. With a tough schedule ahead, including matchups against division rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers will need to come together as a team and find ways to win games without their star quarterback.
Ultimately, how the Chargers respond to Herbert’s injury will be crucial in determining their fate this season. If they can weather the storm and continue to play at a high level, they still have a chance to make a playoff run. However, if they falter in his absence, their postseason hopes could quickly fade away. Only time will tell how the Chargers will fare without Justin Herbert, but one thing is for certain – they will need to step up and rise to the challenge in order to keep their playoff dreams alive.