A new season brings renewed hope for the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh’s takeover should help Justin Herbert reach his full potential as a superstar quarterback. Yet, the sixth overall pick from 2020 is starting his season off on the wrong foot, or at least an injured one.
According to the Chargers, Herbert has been diagnosed with a plantar fascia injury to his right foot. These injuries can range in recovery timelines. But doctors have advised Herbert will require roughly two weeks in a boot. After that, he’ll have a gradual “return to play” protocol.
Expectations are that Herbert will be healthy and ready to start in time for the Chargers’ regular season opener. This gives the 26-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback just over a month to recover, as their Week 1 matchup doesn’t arrive until September 8 vs the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Justin Herbert’s loss = Easton Stick, Max Duggan, Casey Bauman’s gain
In the meantime, expect backup quarterbacks Easton Stick, Max Duggan, and undrafted rookie Casey Bauman to receive an increase in playing time. While Herbert’s injury news is a disappointment, it at least gives Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the coaching staff a great chance to evaluate what they have in the 2019 fifth-round pick (Stick) and the 2023 seventh-round pick (Duggan). Not to mention, now Bauman is sure to see the field during the preseason, giving him a stronger chance at catching on with the practice squad.
There’s always the possibility of the Chargers adding another camp arm in the next few days too. But for now, this is the crew that’s expected to play on Saturday, August 10 for the Chargers’ preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
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