Justin Herbert injury update: Should fantasy managers stress over Chargers QB?

Justin Herbert is set to begin his fifth season as quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers. He is expected to start in week 1 after being sidelined in the offseason with a foot injury.

Herbert's 2023 season ended prematurely as he suffered a broken index finger in week 14. He finished the season with 3,124 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Even while missing four games, Herbert's numbers were productive.

Heading into the 2024 season, Herbert could have a step down in production, which affects his fantasy value. He's coming back from a broken finger, and a foot injury, and he hasn't practiced at 100% for most of the offseason. Herbert also will be without franchise cornerstones Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams.

Many fantasy football websites have Herbert drafting in the 10 to 20 range, which is a significant drop for him from a year ago. It could be the combination of him losing offensive weapons, along with his recuperation from two different injuries in the offseason.

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What happened to Justin Herbert?

NFL: JUL 29 Chargers Training Camp - Source: Getty

Justin Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. On August 1, ESPN reporter Adam Schefter broke the news on X, formerly known as Twitter. The injury occurred around July 31, with the team stating Herbert would be ready to go for the regular season. Herbet wore a walking boot for the past two weeks while recovering.

Schefter tweeted:

"Chargers announced Justin Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot. Per the team: “Doctors have recommended approximately two weeks in a boot — followed by a graduated return to play protocol — with the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.”

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Latest Justin Herbert injury update

Los Angeles Chargers v New England Patriots - Source: Getty

On Monday, August 19, Justin Herbert returned to the practice field for the first time in three weeks. Head coach Jim Harbaugh updated Herbert's return with a comical response:

“I felt like music should be playing. thought I heard music. Voices of angels, maybe. It felt great. He looked great with a capital G. No drop-off, pinpoint accuracy, really good.”

Herbert will not play in the team's pre-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Backup quarterback Easton Stick will get the start. If all goes well with Herbert's progress, he should be on track to start in week 1.