The Chargers are just over a week into training camp, and there are already major concerns.
Thursday, The team announced Superstar quarterback Justin Herbert injured the plantar fascia in his right foot and will be out of cleats for two weeks.
But the good news for now is that Herbert is “expected” to go through the “phased return to play protocol” and be ready to play in Week 1.
The 26-year-old has proven himself to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league since his debut in 2020.
Over those four years, Herbert ranks fourth in passing touchdowns, third in passing yards and third in game-winning drives.
The Oregon native passed for 3,134 yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season, ranking 15th in expected points per play.
However, Herbert played in only 13 games due to a fractured right index finger suffered in Week 14, shortening his season.
The sixth overall pick in 2020 has earned a reputation for his tenacity, having continued to play through broken fingers on his left hand and fractured cartilage in a rib over the past two seasons.
But soft tissue injuries to the plantar fascia and other muscles could linger, if not worsen, and will require monitoring for Herbert throughout 2024.
Los Angeles gave Herbert a five-year, $262.5 million contract before the 2023 season.
After posting zero playoff wins and just one postseason appearance under head coach Brandon Staley, the team took the next step and hired Michigan national championship winner Jim Harbaugh this offseason.
The new Chargers will also be without two of Coach Herbert’s main weapons, Keenan Allen and new Jets receiver Mike Williams, and will instead rely on 2023 first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston and second-round rookie Ladd McConkey.
Without Herbert, quarterbacks Easton Stick, Max Duggan and Casey Baumann will work their way up the pecking order during the team’s preseason, which begins Aug. 10 against the Seahawks.
The Chargers will open the regular season at home against the Raiders on Sept. 8 with the hopes of having Herbert return.
