NFL Rumors: Justin Herbert's Foot Injury Causing Chargers 'Concern but Not Panic'

The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly trying to remain even-keeled when it comes to star quarterback Justin Herbert's foot injury.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Herbert is dealing with a plantar fascia issue, and the plan is for him to wear a walking boot for two weeks before he is reevaluated.

Fowler noted that the impression he gets is the Chargers have "concern but not panic" over Herbert's status with the start of the 2024 regular season now less than one month away.

Per Fowler, the Chargers are willing to give Herbert a bit more time in the boot after two weeks if he needs it, but the team's "hope and expectation" is he will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Chargers first provided an injury update on Herbert on Aug. 1, noting that he had been diagnosed with plantar fascia and would spend time in a walking boot before the start of a "graduated return to play protocol."

Timelines provided by the Chargers and Fowler suggest Herbert could potentially miss the entire preseason.

While it isn't uncommon for teams to sit their star quarterbacks during the preseason, it seems likely that the Chargers would have preferred for Herbert to see at least some game action before the start of the regular season due to the sweeping changes made to the coaching staff.

Former University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was brought in as the new head coach to replace Brandon Staley, while Greg Roman was hired as offensive coordinator to replace Kellen Moore.

The Chargers have also changed up their offensive personnel significantly. Gone are three key veterans in running back Austin Ekeler and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who have been replaced by the likes of Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, D.J. Chark and 2024 second-round pick Ladd McConkey.

Injuries have taken their toll on Herbert over the past couple of seasons, which is likely a big reason why L.A. selected offensive tackle Joe Alt with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Although he didn't miss any time in 2022, Herbert suffered fractured rib cartilage early in the season, which many have impacted his performance for much of the campaign.

Herbert also missed four games last season as a result of a broken finger on his throwing hand.

Herbert has shown a penchant for playing through pain throughout his career, so while he may be able to play with the discomfort of plantar fascia, it is fair to wonder how much it could limit his effectiveness once the season starts.