The Los Angeles Chargers have done a solid job of not getting hit by the injury bug to start training camp. However, the Chargers’ luck ran out on Thursday as they saw their starting quarterback Justin Herbert suffer a foot injury.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Chargers announced Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot. Rapoport adds the franchise quarterback will be in a boot for two weeks, then he’ll gradually work his way back.
The #Chargers announced that QB Justin Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2024
He’ll be in a boot for two weeks, then gradually work his way back. The team says it is with the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the season.
The Chargers expect Herbert to be ready for the start of the regular season. However, a foot injury like Herbert’s can linger, if not treated properly.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that Herbert didn’t miss a practice rep on Wednesday, but the team announced the injury happened after practice.
Herbert did not miss a rep with the 1s in yesterday's practice. #Chargers say he was diagnosed after the practice. So unclear when this injury actually occurred. https://t.co/I9mgxWqfSX
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 1, 2024
If you are Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, this isn’t the news you wanted to hear with preseason football on the horizon.
For Los Angeles to be competitive in the AFC, they need a healthy Herbert in the pocket as they have several new pieces on offense. However, with Herbert sidelined for most of the preseason, this is a good opportunity for the team to see if Easton Stick, Max Duggan, and Casey Bauman can be the QB2.
Stick was Los Angeles’ backup last year and played in five games (four starts) because Hebert was placed on injured reserve with a fractured right index finger. Stick should win the backup job, but he’ll face competition from Duggan and Bauman.
Los Angeles hopes Stick doesn’t have to start the season as Herbert is one of the better QBs in the AFC.
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