The LA Chargers are in a more precarious quarterback situation than expected heading into training camp. Justin Herbert has been sidelined with a plantar fascia injury and while the walking boot has officially been removed, there is still no telling how it will impact his 2024 season.
If everything goes as planned then it will have no impact whatsoever on Herbert's 2024 season. However, injuries don't always go exactly as planned and there is a real chance Herbert will have to play through pain. There is also the possibility of Herbert missing time for the Chargers, which would throw a wrench in the 2024 season.
Herbert missing a handful of games during the 2024 season would not be the end of the world if the Chargers had a suitable backup who could keep the team afloat. That is not the reality, though, as backup quarterback Easton Stick struggled last season and has not done well in Greg Roman's offense.
It is not a necessity for the Chargers to pursue quarterback help this season but it would be a great idea if there is any inkling that Herbert may miss time. There are several options for the Chargers to potentially pursue with another name now added to the mix: Atlanta's Taylor Heinicke.
Taylor Heinicke emerges as potential Chargers' QB target with strong showing in preseason Week 2
Heinicke started at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday with both Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. not playing. Heinicke started the game on a heater, completing four of his first six passes for a passer rating over 100.
Heinicke did cool off as the first half went along and finished with 114 yards while completing eight of 16 passes to mostly backups. The potential was certainly there as Heinicke reminded the NFL world that he could hang as an NFL quarterback.
However, because he is the third-string quarterback in Atlanta there are no guarantees he will even make the 53-man roster. If Atlanta wants depth in other areas of the roster then Heinicke will be one of the first names on the chopping block.
Even if Atlanta is not planning on cutting Heinicke, it would be very unlikely for Atlanta to turn down a trade offer for a third-string quarterback. If the Chargers were desperate enough, they absolutely could trade a 2025 seventh (or even sixth) to get Heinicke in LA.
Heinicke is not someone who should be starting all 17 games for an NFL team. If that is the case then the playoffs are out of the picture. However, he has proven multiple times in his career he is a gamer and can not only keep a team afloat but make plays happen that can lead to wins in a small sample size.
That is exactly what the Chargers need out of a backup quarterback heading into 2024.