Justin Herbert is at the center of attention as the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for their preseason clash against the Dallas Cowboys. The young signal-caller, who has been recovering from a plantar fascia ailment, shed his walking boot and returned to practice.
First-year head coach Jim Harbaugh (who’s certainly not a rookie) has high expectations for the 2024 season. But having lost the previous two preseason games, the Chargers are looking to build some continuity and get into a flow before the regular season.
While cautious optimism surrounds Herbert’s recovery, the big question remains — is Herbert playing tonight?
Is Justin Herbert Playing Against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday?
Chargers fans were ecstatic when they saw Herbert back in action after nursing the plantar fascia injury in his right foot. However, coach Harbaugh is in no mood to risk his starting quarterback and confirmed that Herbert will not be suiting up for the game against the Cowboys.
Backup quarterback Easton Stick will get the nod once again, with Luis Perez backing him up.
Stick started four games last season after Herbert broke his finger. However, he struggled to impress in the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, and the next week, Stick and the Chargers’ offense managed three field goals in a 13-9 loss to their crosstown counterparts, the Rams.
While Stick received the green light once again in the second preseason game, Harbaugh subbed him out and played Luis Perez for the whole second half.
The Chargers coach was delighted to see Herbert, the 26-year-old Oregon native, back on the field at practice this week.
“I felt like music should be playing. I thought I heard music. Voices of angels, maybe. It felt great,” Harbaugh said. “He looked great with a capital G. No drop-off, pinpoint accuracy, really good.”
Herbert’s return to action in practice is undoubtedly a positive sign, with the Chargers’ season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 8 around the corner.
Last year wasn’t up to Herbert’s standards, recording just 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns, but injuries limited his opportunities. That being said, he still remains one of the NFL’s top signal-callers.
“Justin’s really grown to a place in his career where he’s not just leading the offense. It’s team-wide. He’s been incredible at it the entire time. I can go back to mid-April. He’s got a tremendous grasp on the offense,” Harbaugh told USA Today Sports last week.
Returning to top form will be at the top of Herbert’s mind as he aims to lead the Chargers to a successful season under Harbaugh’s leadership. Harbaugh’s work with quarterbacks in his previous stint with the 49ers is well documented.