After being in a walking boot for two weeks, LA Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert returned to practice on Monday in what was a big step for his availability in Week 1.
Herbert didn't just return to practice, he has been participating in 11-on-11 drills with the team since returning. This is extremely important for the star quarterback as he is still learning the new playbook brought in by offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
It did not look like Herbert was still learning a new playbook during Thursday's practice. Those in attendance raved about Herbert's day. Daniel Popper of The Athletic called it the best practice he has ever seen from Justin Herbert. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter called Herbert unbelievable and that "he is as good as it gets in this league."
Justin Herbert has an emphatic day at Chargers training camp
According to those in attendance, at one point Herbert threw four consecutive touchdown passes during 11-on-11 drills and followed that up by completing four consecutive passes on third-down drills, including a 40-yard strike to Joshua Palmer.
This is all music to Charger fans' ears as there has been concern around this offense during training camp. Palmer himself alluded to the fact the offense was not humming, even with Herbert under center. Fans saw firsthand how poorly it looked in the team's first two preseason games.
Herbert getting as much live practice time as possible before the regular season is imperative to the ceiling of this offense. The more comfortable Herbert can be operating in Roman's offense the better.
And if Wednesday was any indication, it appears Herbert is as comfortable as it gets.
It also goes without saying that Herbert's big day is a big deal for his plantar fascia injury. While he has returned to practice, there has been no indication of what his pain levels are and how this might impact his play in the regular season.
Granted, defenders won't be holding up so they don't hurt the quarterback in the regular season so there will naturally be more physicality when Herbert plays in games that matter. But if anything, Chargers fans can rest easy knowing he can still sling it at an elite level.
With the defense thriving under Minter and Jim Harbaugh changing the culture, the sky really can be the limit for the Chargers in 2024 if Herbert is healthy and can return to his 2021 form. Fans still need to see it live in a real game, but the early returns are promising.