At this time in the offseason, any number of the smallest, least consequential storylines can gain traction. For the Los Angeles Chargers this week, it's been Justin Herbert's no-show at offseason practices.
Granted, these workouts are voluntary. This is Phase 2 of the Chargers' offseason program, which is not technically considered a part of their OTAs. In all likelihood, Herbert will be on site and ready to work when the offseason practices truly pick up.
There's no real reason, therefore, to feel anything more than mild concern at his absence. But with a new offensive scheme under Mike McDaniel, it feels like there's a whole lot at stake this season, and much of it hinges on Herbert's ability to acclimate himself quickly to the new scheme.
The only time for true panic is if Herbert's absence extends into the mandatory mini-camp in June. But in the short-term, the only cause for concern surrounds how much time Herbert will have to work with McDaniel and the rest of the offense this offseason. If it's cut short significantly, it opens the door for a sharp learning curve for Los Angeles— something they can't really afford in 2026.
Justin Herbert needs to be in the building ASAP to get time in Mike McDaniel's offense
Let's be clear here. According to Daniel Popper's reporting, Herbert has been present at Chargers activities multiple times throughout the offseason. He was at the team's first practice of the offseason on April 20, and he's attended multiple workouts since then. His absences, it seems, have been limited to two of the practices open to the media. That's the reason there's a storyline here at all.
Popper, in his piece on the Chargers' recent offseason workouts, also makes an excellent point. Herbert has already acclimated to four different NFL offenses over the course of his six-season career. He should be given some grace as he attends to whatever matter has kept him away from camp:
"It’s also worth mentioning that Herbert is learning his fifth NFL offense. Shane Steichen. Joe Lombardi. Kellen Moore. Greg Roman. And now McDaniel. Herbert has proven capable of mastering new offenses with relative ease. He’s already had plenty of time with McDaniel. A couple of weeks of Phase 2 should not drastically impact Herbert’s learning curve with this new system." Daniel Popper, The Athletic
But McDaniel's offense will be different than much of what he's handled throughout his career. There's parallels to Lombardi's offense, sure, but that held many of the quirks of the Sean Payton-inspired New Orleans Saints system. There's also parallels to Kellen Moore's motion-heavy offense.
But McDaniel has made his vision for Herbert very clear, and it involves quick throws out of the backfield and a true attempt to leverage the YAC-potential this receiving corps has. This will require a deep understanding of the offense from the jump.
There's still the remainder of the offseason to work with, and the Chargers have a bit of a cushion at the start of the regular season with matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. As of now, things will almost certainly be fine.
But if Herbert's absences push any further, there's at least one legitimate reason for concern, at least from an outside perspective.
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