Harbaugh says Herbert was 'pinpoint' and 'great' in return to practice

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh says Justin Herbert was 'pinpoint' and 'great' in return to practice

By Trevor Woods | Last updated Aug 19, 2024 8:41 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert returned to the practice field for this first time since July 31 on Monday.

Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot and was in a walking boot for two weeks. The boot is now off and Herbert is on track for a full recovery before the regular season begins next month.

Per Chargers.com senior writer Eric Smith, Herbert put on a clinic right away at practice, going 11-of-12 during a 7-on-7 drill.

There was perhaps no one happier to see Herbert back than Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

"It was great. It felt like music should be playing," Harbaugh said. "I thought I heard music. Voices of angels, maybe."

coach when herbo steps on the field pic.twitter.com/D9WN7TULH3
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 19, 2024

This is Harbaugh's first year as Chargers head coach and the more reps the better between Herbert and the Los Angeles receivers. Chargers quarterbacks have struggled overall this preseason and the offense hasn't scored a touchdown through two preseason games and have recorded just 12 points overall.

Herbert's backup, Easton Stick, is 13-of-26 this preseason for 116 yards with two interceptions. Herbert's return couldn't have come sooner for a team that wants to hit the ground running in their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harbaugh noted that Herbert had no rust to knock off.

"Good. Really good. Great with a capital G," Harbaugh said of Herbert's play at practice. "No drop off. Pinpoint accuracy. Looked really good."

Looking really good is nothing new for Herbert, who's had prolific numbers to start his career. Through a quarterbacks first four seasons Herbert ranks No. 1 in completions (1,613), No. 1 in passing yards (17,223), and is tied for No. 2 in passing touchdowns with Patrick Mahomes (114).

As good as those numbers are, Herbert's been on inferior teams and has a career record of 30-32. However, there's new hope in Los Angeles. The Harbaugh-Herbert partnership is Herbert's best chance yet of not only putting up big stats, but actually tallying big wins. As long as he stays healthy.

Trevor Woods

Trevor Woods covers the Los Angeles Chargers and AFC West for Yardbarker. Trevor also covers the Michigan Wolverines for SB Nation, including coverage at the NFL Combine, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, and National Championship. You can find him on X at @WoodsFootball.

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