EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will miss at least two weeks because of an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot.
The injury was diagnosed following practice Wednesday. Doctors expect that the fifth-year quarterback will be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said after practice Thursday night that he didn’t know when the injury might have occurred. He also said that Herbert was still attending meetings and doing some conditioning work.
Plans call for Herbert to spend two weeks in a walking boot, followed by what the Chargers termed “a graduated return-to-play protocol.”
It is the first significant injury during Harbaugh’s first training camp as Chargers coach. Harbaugh has made it a priority to slowly ramp up the intensity of practices in order to prevent soft-tissue injuries.
It is, however, another in a series of injuries for Herbert. Over the past two seasons, Herbert has had bruised ribs, a torn labrum to his non-throwing shoulder, and two broken fingers, including one on his throwing hand that caused him to miss the final four games last season.
Herbert had received plenty of praise from Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman during offseason workouts and training camp for his quickness in picking up the offense.
“The preparation continues. Full speed ahead,” said Harbaugh when asked if Herbert’s injury will impact their preseason plans.
Easton Stick, who started four games last season, will get most of the snaps with the first team. Los Angeles also has Max Duggan and undrafted rookie Casey Bauman on the roster.
“He was the same that he was the day before. He attacks everything he does. The way he goes about his business is top notch,” Harbaugh said about Stick.
