Chargers Receive Critical Boost, Justin Herbert Returns to Field After 3-Week Absence

As each day passed with Justin Herbert in a walking boot, the stress level among Los Angeles Chargers fans escalated. The preseason play of Easton Stick and Co. only exacerbated these feelings of dread. But, Herbert was spotted at the Chargers’ preseason game without the medical aid he was wearing to help mend his plantar fascia injury.

Justin Herbert Returns to Practice for the First Time Since July

Further good news came in via The Athletic’s, Daniel Popper on Monday afternoon. Herbert is back to practice. Popper’s videos show Herbert in full team regalia replete with shoulder pads. This is the first time since the injury was discovered in late July that the former first-round pick has practiced.

Jim Harbaugh , who is reticent to share medical updates about his players, has towed the company line since they released a statement about the injury. The statement read;

“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 Chargers seem to be following this advice to a tee. As of August 19th, Herbert has 20 days to meet the expectation to be ready for the Chargers game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, September 9th.

Experts who have commented on the injury have pointed out the finicky nature of the ailment.

The release of depth quarterbacks Max Duggan and Casey Bauman coincided with Herbert’s return to practice. Easton Stick and Luis Perez remain on the roster despite poor performances in the first two preseason games.

Duggan, who the Chargers drafted in the 7th round in 2023, played 16 snaps in the first game, but did not play at all in the second. Coach Harbaugh said that it was a ‘coaching decision’ to keep him out of that game.