LA Chargers' Jim Harbaugh updates former Oregon Duck Justin Herbert's injury status

Fans of the Oregon Ducks and Los Angeles Chargers alike are nervous about the upcoming season as their starting quarterback Justin Herbert is still battling a foot injury. However, at practice on Thursday, Herbert was seen without the supportive boot he has been wearing since his injury.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that the former Duck would not be on the field for the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at their shared home, Sofi Stadium.

“Justin is not playing this week. Gus will not play, [and] Just kidding. That's three on offense,” Harbaugh said during a press conference.

According to Daniel Popper, senior editor at The Athletic, Herbert was seen wearing no boots at training camp on Thursday. He was also seen working out in the weight room without boots.

Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury to his right foot on August 1st and has been wearing the boot for about two weeks on doctor's recommendation. However, this particular type of injury is known to be unpredictable in terms of healing and can re-aggravate.

Currently, former North Dakota State Bison Easton Stick will start for the Chargers against the Rams in Herbert's absence. Stick's previous performance in the first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks was disappointing to say the least. Stick completed 5 of 13 passes, had no touchdowns and one interception, and didn't look the least bit comfortable in the pocket. But Harbaugh's re-appointment of Stick as the starter could mean he's the Chargers' best option with Herbert out.

Former TCU Horned Frog Max Duggan and former Texas A&M Aggie Luis Perez are also competing for a spot at quarterback on the Chargers this season. Duggan completed 4 of 7 passes against the Seahawks, while Perez completed 5 of 12. The Chargers did not score a single touchdown against Seattle, losing the game 3-16.

One of those quarterbacks will have to prove he can be a reliable presence to keep the Chargers' up-tempo offense going while Herbert recovers. They don't have much time to do that, though, with this game against the Rams and a game at the Dallas Cowboys next weekend to close out their preseason.

Of course, having Herbert out for the rest of the preseason and getting little to no playing time isn't ideal. Herbert is a big investment for the Chargers, as they broke the league's highest-paid quarterback record when Herbert signed a five-year, $262 million contract extension in July.

Last season, Herbert had a QBR rating of 64.1, which ranked fifth in the league. He finished the 2023 regular season completing 297 of 456 passes for 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns.

The Chargers' goal is to have Herbert back on the field by the start of the regular season. The Chargers' first regular season game will be on September 8th at Sofi Stadium against the Las Vegas Raiders.

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