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EL SEGUNDO — Right on schedule, quarterback Justin Herbert took off the walking boot he’s worn for two weeks to protect a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. When he might practice or play again remained uncertain Thursday afternoon, but “it felt like progress,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh had few details to add, as has been his method of operation during training camp. Harbaugh did say that Herbert was “on track,” for whatever that was worth beyond the obvious that the walking boot was not in evidence during Thursday’s practice, the Chargers’ 18th of training camp.
Asked specifically when Herbert might practice, Harbaugh said, “I haven’t received that (information).” Harbaugh then apologized for offering so little in the way of an update about the Chargers’ best player, the man who has been and will continue to be the most vital cog in their offense.
The Chargers’ lack of offensive punch has been evident in most practices without Herbert, including a joint practice with the Rams on Aug. 4, and, especially, during their 16-3 preseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks last weekend. Easton Stick will get his second consecutive start on Saturday when they face the Rams.
Luis Perez and Max Duggan also are expected to play, Harbaugh said.
“I thought we saw some real improvements just in the timing of the passing game and the protection, as well,” Harbaugh said of the play of the quarterbacks during the past four days of practice. “We’re working on some things in the running game with the same kind of timing. Just chipping away at it, really.
“I thought Easton, in particular, had a good week. Excited about that. Excited about his opportunity in the game setting (against the Rams).”
Stick completed 5 of 13 passes for 31 yards with one interception and a passer rating of 14.6 in 25 plays in the first half against Seattle. The Chargers gained only 71 total yards and scored only three points on Cameron Dicker’s 58-yard field goal as they trailed the Seahawks 13-3 at halftime.
Duggan took over for Stick to start the second half.
Perez replaced Duggan in the fourth quarter..
CALLING COLIN
Harbaugh acknowledged calling Colin Kaepernick in “early February” to ask if the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback was interested in a coaching job. Kaepernick declined, and Harbaugh said the issue was settled for now, although it was widely reported earlier this week that there was still interest.
Harbaugh said he had no thoughts of bringing Kaepernick in as a player. Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2016 season. He reached a settlement with the league in 2019 after arguing that owners blackballed him after he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.
“I love Colin, and I always will, (but) it gets conflated as he might play here or he might coach here,” said Harbaugh, who coached Kaepernick when he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl following the 2012 season. “I love Colin, but he’s not going to be on our coaching staff this year and he’s not going to be on the roster.”
Harbaugh said he’s maintained contact with Kaepernick for several years.
“As a former player, I get fired up about former players being coaches,” he said.
EXTRA POINTS
Dan Fouts, a former Chargers quarterback of some renown, delivered a post-practice speech to the team. Fouts, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, spoke of buying dinner for the offensive line after victories, usually steak or lobster. But if they lost, they would buy him dinner, always spaghetti. …
The Chargers signed defensive lineman Teair Tart and waived safety Jalyn Phillips. Tart has started 36 of 47 games with the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans since signing with the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Harbaugh wasn’t sure if Tart would play Saturday.
Originally Published: August 15, 2024 at 7:42 p.m.
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Courtesy : https://www.pressenterprise.com/2024/08/15/chargers-qb-justin-herbert-on-track-in-recovery-from-foot-injury/