Chargers QB Justin Herbert is Attempting to Play Through Significant Injury

The Los Angeles Chargers have already established themselves as one of the best teams in the NFL so far. New head coach Jim Harbaugh was said to be the right coach to bring the team out of the basement of AFC mediocrity, and so far — he has done just that.

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The new Chargers look to be a run-first team, but they still have quarterback Justin Herbert ready to sling the ball down the field. The issue is Herbert was dealing with an injury heading into the 2024 season. Herbert missed a lot of training camp due to a plantar fascia injury to his right foot.

Herbert managed to heal in time for Week 1, leading the team to a 1-0 start, beating the Las Vegas Raiders 22-10. The Charger followed that up by remaining undefeated while taking down the Carolina Panthers 26-3 in Week 2.

Despite starting fast, the Chargers could be dealing with another injury that might hinder Herbert.

Herbert appeared on the Chargers’ first injury report on Wednesday with an ankle injury, resulting in his not practicing. On Thursday, Herbert returned to practice with a heavily taped ankle.

Further reporters indicated that Herbert did not practice in front of the media, so that could be the Chargers’ way of not alerting teams to the extent of Herbert’s injury.

The issue with the ankle injury is that it is on Herbert’s right foot, which is the same foot that limited him in training camp. So far, there’s been no confirmation that Herbert’s plantar fascia injury has reemerged, but there could be concern that his right foot might be a bit worse for wear.

The good news is that Herbert has returned to practice despite dealing with the injury. The bad news is that his desire to suit up on Sunday could result in Herbert suffering a more severe injury.

Herbert has not been his normal deep ball-throwing self through two weeks of action. So far, he has logged 274 yards and three touchdowns in two games. Herbert has always been known for his arm, and the right foot being injured could be an indicator that he may not be fully healed.

This is just speculation, of course, as the Chargers have a brand-new offense look regardless of Herbert not gunning the ball down the field. Through new offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the team has transformed into a run-heavy offensive attack.

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Current lead back J.K. Dobbins has already secured 266 yards on the ground with 27 attempts, which is a 9.9 yards per carry average. The Chargers could simply wear down their opponents with the run game and not have to rely on Herbert throwing with strength on his right foot.

For now, Herbert is slated to start on Sunday. However, the Chargers might want to be extra careful with their signal caller, so further damage is not done.

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