Chargers News: Jim Harbaugh Shares Encouraging Update on Justin Herbert's Recovery Timeline

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to be ready for the team's season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 8.

Easton Stick has been taking most of the reps as the starting quarterback for the Chargers and in the preseason we have seen mixed results so far.

According to Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, Easton Stick is under the same expectations the coaches put on Herbert.

"Why would it? We have one of the best starting quarterbacks in the world, and the next quarterback would be under the same expectations as if Justin was (healthy). … We’d still want to see the same type of performance and improvement,” Harbaugh told Daniel Popper of The Athletic .

If that is the case, Stick is just not meeting expectations. Unfortunately, he's only gotten worse too.

"We get all the way down to the 1 and we fumble the snap and have a turnover in the red zone," Harbaugh said via the team's transcript . "Those are the kind of things you can't do. You have to control those controllables."

Herbert has not practiced since July 31 due to the injury, which initially required him to wear a walking boot for two weeks.

However, he returned to practice without the boot on August 15 and participated in warmups before the recent game against the Los Angeles Rams, where he threw lightly on the sidelines.

Despite this encouraging news, there are concerns about the potential lingering effects of the injury. The Chargers rely heavily on Herbert as their starting quarterback, and his absence would be a significant setback for the team.

The backup quarterback situation is currently a cause for concern, with Stick struggling, and Max Duggan being released. Luis Perez has been okay, but they need more from the position.

With the season approaching, the Chargers need to ensure they have a reliable backup in case Herbert's injury affects his performance. If they cannot find a suitable option, it could complicate Harbaugh's first season with the team.