The Los Angeles Chargers have announced that franchise quarterback Justin Herbert will miss significant time with an injury.
Here is the full statement per the team's social media account:
Following yesterday’s practice, Justin Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot. Doctors have recommended approximately two weeks in a boot — followed by a graduated return to play protocol — with the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.
The injury leaves the Chargers with three quarterbacks: Easton Stick, Max Duggan, and Casey Bauman. Stick filled in for Herbert last year, playing four and a half games and throwing for 1,132 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, as well as rushing for an additional 144 yards and one touchdown.
On the surface, this is certainly not the worst-case scenario. However, it does dramatically reduce the time Herbert could spend building on-field chemistry with a nearly completely overhauled wide receiver room. Fans have speculated Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman could ask Herbert to get on the move more this season, but an injury to his right foot and an entire multi-year injury history suggests that part of the playbook could be thrown out.
Fans, as well as the organization, will hold onto hope that Herbert is ready for the home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. This team is going nowhere without their star quarterback.
