The Chargers' offseason program is underway at The Bolt. The team started practicing about a month ago as veterans got back into the building. Newly drafted and signed rookies went through minicamp about two weeks ago. Slowly but surely, strides are being made towards training camp and eventually the regular season.
But for the last two weeks, Chargers QB Justin Herbert has been missing in action. LA calls this current period of their practices "phase two" of the voluntary offseason program. At the portions of practice open to media members, Herbert has not been seen. The Athletic's Daniel Popper was the first to report about Herbert's lack of attendance today. He was also not seen at last Monday's practice.
Take a deep breath and then exhale. There's no need to worry about Chargers QB Justin Herbert yet.
Now it's worth noting again that this is the voluntary portion of the offseason. Phase two practices aren't even considered part of the teams' OTAs. Those will start next week on May 26th.
We also saw Herbert at some of the teams' practices earlier this offseason before the last two practices specifically. He has been in the building. A no-show since April would perhaps be more concerning. But Herbert has been seen publicly at Chargers' practices as recently as May 4th.
OTAs start next week for the team as previously mentioned. But it wouldn't even be necessary for Herbert to attend those. However, he has historically been with the team during OTAs. The next date Herbert has to contractually attend is the teams' mandatory minicamp from June 16th-18th. Again, there are no real reasons for concern until then.
It is worth noting that pop artist Madison Beer is on the European leg of her tour right now before she performs in the United States this summer. Beer and Herbert have been in a public relationship for a while now. While there's no confirmation that Herbert is in Europe with her, it's at least a plausible explanation. The tour coming to America in June also does line up with when Herbert does have to be at mandatory minicamp.
Chargers OC Mike McDaniel was also not at practice on Tuesday. McDaniel is currently in Orlando at the NFL's accelerator program. Assistant GM Chad Alexander is also reportedly attending. The accelerator program was recently revived to provide assistants and coaches with more access to promotion pathways in future offseasons. So for those concerned that Herbert is missing tons of offensive install stuff by not being at phase two-don't be.
Maybe alarm bells will be ringed further if Herbert does not attend OTAs next week. But for the time being, there's nothing for Chargers fans to worry about with the star quarterback.
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