Los Angeles Chargers fans will be relieved to hear that quarterback Justin Herbert has returned to practice during training camp. The Athletic’s beat writer for the Chargers, Daniel Popper, tweeted a video of the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year conducting throwing drills.
Last month, Herbert was sidelined by a plantar fascia in his right foot, forcing him to wear a walking boot for weeks. While the former Oregon standout isn't wearing the boot, Popper noted that Herbert wore turf shoes.
Justin Herbert practicing for the first time since July pic.twitter.com/HGYmytzg3x
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 19, 2024
It would be challenging for the Chargers if Herbert won't play in their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was their top quarterback after signing him to a five-year, $262.5 million extension last year. His presence at practice is a trend towards head coach Jim Harbaugh having Herbert ready to go in Week 1.
Injuries have plagued Herbert in the last two seasons. Before the plantar fascia injury this offseason, the one-time Pro Bowler played only 13 games in 2023 due to a broken finger. Herbert played all 34 regular season games in 2021 and 2022.
Herbert has 1,613 completions for 17,223 yards and 114 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Chargers. He has a 5,000-yard passing season (5,014 in 2021) and has 11 rushing touchdowns out of 911 yards.
Meanwhile, the Chargers reportedly released quarterback Max Duggan. Even if Duggan was a seventh-round draft pick, the Chargers' selection made little sense because Herbert is the undisputed starter.
-Lance Fernandez
