Jim Harbaugh: Justin Herbert 'Smashed' Chargers' Conditioning Test for 2024 Season

Few offseason tropes are more common than an athlete being in the best shape of their life. In the case of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, it might be true.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Tuesday that Herbert "crushed" his conditioning test with the team.

"The conditioning test was another eye-opener," Harbaugh said. "... He smashed the conditioning test last Thursday. I mean, crushed it like out in front of people trying to keep up with to the point I mean, the athleticism and the strength really. I mean, he could play tight end here, he could play edge rusher here."

Herbert might be carrying a bit of a chip on his shoulder after he and the Chargers fell short of expectations in 2023. Los Angeles finished 5-12 and its starting quarterback set career lows in completion percentage (65.1) and passing yards per game (241.1).

The team's record and his individual numbers only raised further questions regarding whether the general reputation of the 26-year-old aligns with what he's doing on the field.

Expecting the Chargers to make the postseason might be somewhat unrealistic because this is a franchise in a clear transition period after losing some key players.

But Herbert can at least silence some of his skeptics by having a monster campaign. Based on Harbaugh's comments, maybe the 2021 Pro Bowler will show off some new facets of his game as well.