Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is ready for the regular season, especially after a busy training camp.
Herbert had to adapt to a new offense, deal with a two-week foot injury, and even got stuck in an elevator for two hours before a game in Dallas, making the preseason more eventful than he expected.
“It’s been a fun test. I definitely learned a lot and went through some things you don’t want to,” Herbert said on Wednesday as the team prepared for its opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Herbert explained that the injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot was due to the stress from offseason practices and training camp, not just one specific play. He is not using any arch support or extra cushioning in his right shoe.
If the injury had happened during the regular season, Herbert said he would have played through it.
He hopes that the two weeks in a walking boot and the work with the training staff before and after practice will keep the issue from coming up again.
“It’s full speed regardless of the situation. When you’re out there on the field, you’re not thinking about it,” Herbert said.
Herbert’s main concern is making sure the offense is ready for the opener since he missed important practice time during training camp.
The Chargers have at least six new starters on offense. Trey Pipkins is switching from right tackle to right guard, none of the four running backs were with the Chargers last year, and the wide receiver group is new.
Despite missing some practices, Herbert feels that reviewing film with the receivers and being on the field the past two weeks has helped make up for lost time.