Chargers QB Justin Herbert ‘on track’ to recover from foot injury – Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO — Quarterback Justin Herbert promptly removed the walking boot he's been wearing for two weeks to protect a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. It was still uncertain when he would be able to practice or play again Thursday afternoon, but “it felt like progress,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh had few specifics to offer about his approach during training camp. Harbaugh said Herbert was “on track,” for whatever that's worth, other than the walking shoe was not seen at the Chargers' Thursday, March 18, training camp practice.

When asked specifically when Herbert would be able to practice, Harbaugh said, “I have not received that (information).” Harbaugh then apologized for revealing so little news about the Chargers' best player, the man who was and will remain the most important cog in their offense.

The Chargers' lack of offensive power was evident in most practices without Herbert, including a joint practice with the Rams on Aug. 4 and especially during their 16-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last weekend. Easton Stick will make his second straight start on Saturday when they face the Rams.

According to Harbaugh, Luis Perez and Max Duggan are also expected to play.

“I think we've seen some real improvements in the timing of the pass game and also in the protection,” Harbaugh said of the quarterbacks' play over the past four days of practice. “We're working on some things in the run game with the same timing. We're really just working on that.”

“I thought Easton in particular had a good week. I'm happy about that. I'm happy about his opportunity in the game (against the Rams).”

Stick completed 5 of 13 passes for 31 yards with one interception and a 14.6 passer rating in 25 first-half plays against Seattle. The Chargers gained just 71 total yards and scored just three points on Cameron Dicker's 58-yard field goal, trailing the Seahawks 13-3 at halftime.

Duggan took over for Stick at the start of the second half.

Perez replaced Duggan in the fourth quarter.

CALL COLIN

Harbaugh admitted to 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 matter was settled for now, although it was widely reported earlier this week that there was continued interest.

Harbaugh said he had no plans to bring in Kaepernick as a player. Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season. He reached a settlement with the league in 2019 after arguing that owners blacklisted him after he knelt during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice.