Justin Herbert did not suit up at all for the LA Chargers during the preseason as the star quarterback was dealing with a plantar fascia injury that forced him to wear a walking boot and miss practice for two weeks.
Herbert removed the walking boot before the preseason finale and suited up to go through warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys. The former Oregon Duck still did not play, however, making Chargers fans wait until the season opener to see his return.
Fans who are not entrenched in the daily news cycle around Herbert and the Chargers may have no idea whether or not Herbert is going to play in the season opener vs the Raiders. That is why we are here, though.
Justin Herbert will play for the Chargers vs. the Raiders
All signs are pointing to Herbert playing on Sunday barring a drastic snapback before the game. Herbert was removed from the injury report (after the league essentially forced the Chargers to add him to it) on Friday as the Bolts are all systems go.
Not only is Herbert playing in Week 1 but he appears to be entering the game in no pain whatsoever. The Chargers' plan was always for Herbert to return in Week 1 but there were understandable concerns around how his foot would hold up.
Plantar fascia injuries are tricky and can linger much longer than expected. The odds of aggravating the injury are high, too, which is why the Chargers were so cautious with the injury in the first place.
Herbert told reporters during practice this week that he is heading into the season opener with no pain and that he never had plantar fasciitis. This truly is the best outcome for Herbert and the Chargers as fans fan expect the superstar quarterback to be himself against the Raiders.
Herbert has a lifetime 4-3 record against the Raiders as a starter. In seven games, Herbert has completed 62.63% of his passes with 15 touchdowns, two interceptions and 2,026 yards. Across a full 17-game season, that is a 36-touchdowns, five-interception, 4,920-yard pace.
The Chargers have beaten the Raiders three years in a row at SoFi Stadium. The only loss against the Raiders at home on Herbert's resume was in his rookie season when Donald Parham's game-winning touchdown at the end of regulation was overturned.