Franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is now in a walking boot because of a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, but the Chargersremain hopeful that operations will remain business as usual until Herbert’s expected return.
Hopeful.
Unfortunately for the Chargers, this type of foot injury — in this case on the quarterback’s plant foot when throwing — can be unpredictable. The Chargers open the regular season at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 8.
The team is adhering to recommendations by the doctors, who have provided a two-week reexamination timetable to assess the next steps for Herbert’s return. During practice Thursday, Herbert was seen in the weight room with a boot on his right foot.
In the meantime, Easton Stick is the next man up. Drafted in the fifth round in 2019, he had been the No. 3 quarterback before being elevated to No. 2 last season behind Herbert.
He started the final four games, all losses, after Herbert underwent season-ending surgery on his middle finger. In five games, he completed 63.8% of his passes, with three touchdowns and one interception.
When Stick took first-team snaps Thursday, Harbaugh liked what he saw. He noted that the quarterback’s performance was consistent with what he had seen throughout camp.
