The Los Angeles Chargers’ 2024 season is off to a rocky start following an announcement that star quarterback Justin Herbert will miss several weeks due to a foot injury.
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After yesterday’s practice, Justin Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot.
Doctors recommend about two weeks in a boot, followed by a gradual return to play, with hopes he’ll be ready for…
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 1, 2024
The team shared, “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.”
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This injury means Herbert will be using a walking boot for the next couple of weeks, followed by a slow return to team practices.
What adds to the concern for Chargers fans is the potential for Herbert to be sidelined when the regular season kicks off. While the team hopes for his quick recovery, prior foot injuries can sometimes become more complicated.
Herbert’s target return date is September 8, when they face off against the Las Vegas Raiders in an important divisional clash.
If Herbert is unable to play, the Chargers will likely turn to Easton Stick as the starting quarterback. Stick is expected to get significant playing time during the preseason to prepare for this possibility. Herbert’s absence could place added pressure on the team’s offense, particularly with the loss of key receivers in the off-season.
With wide receiver Mike Williams joining the Jets and Keenan Allen traded to the Chicago Bears, the Chargers will heavily rely on second-year player Quentin Johnston, who faced challenges during his rookie season. The team has also drafted rookie Ladd McConkey, slated to start, alongside veterans Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark Jr., the latter being the only player to have exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in a season over the last six years.
Herbert needs time to build rapport with this newly assembled group of pass-catchers, but unfortunately, this injury hampers that process.
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It’s worth noting that Herbert also dealt with a season-ending broken finger last year, which significantly affected the Chargers’ 5-12 record. The success of the season relies heavily on Herbert’s health, and fans are hoping this foot injury won’t keep him off the field for long.