Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh provides injury update on Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert hasn't practiced in over two weeks as he recovers from a plantar fascia injury to his right foot. However, things appear to be trending in a positive direction for Herbert.

Per Chargers.com reporter Eric Smith , Herbert has been seen "working out in the weight room without a walking boot in the early stages of practice."

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh also shared encouraging thoughts on Herbert's injury without diving into specifics.

"I think it felt like progress," Harbaugh said. "Just on track. That's really the only medical things that I've been updated on regarding Justin."

Harbaugh told USA Today's Jarrett Bell earlier this week that while Herbert hasn't been practicing, there's much being done with the franchise QB "in terms of mental reps, film work, building a rapport." Practice reps are also important, though, especially with rookie receivers in the fold such as Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice who could be immediate contributors on offense.

How successful a season the Chargers have will be greatly influenced by the health of Herbert. The Chargers backups (Easton Stick, Max Duggan, Luis Perez) struggled during a 16-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the team's preseason opener last week, going 14-of-32 combined for 121 yards with one interception.

It seems unlikely at this juncture that Herbert will participate in a preseason game, but signs point to him being ready to roll well before the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sept. 8. That's all that really matters in a truncated preseason and a regular season that now has 17 games.

With the Chargers and everyone else in the AFC West chasing Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for divisional supremacy, Harbaugh realizes the Chargers have to start and finish the season strong, saying he has a "keen awareness" of the division they're in and who they're playing against.

"All of those who say it's a marathon, not a sprint, they're wrong," Harbaugh declared . "The marathon approach doesn't work."