The LA Chargers hit their first massive snag of the Jim Harbaugh. The team announced on Thursday that Justin Herbert is dealing with a plantar fascia injury and will be in a walking boot for two weeks. According to the team, Herbert will start a revamp process after two weeks and is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.
While the initial injury update does not seem inherently bad, injuries don't always follow a projected timeline and this injury specifically can be dicey. The Chargers should know this firsthand, as Antonio Gates tried playing with the injury 14 years ago, tore it, and had to miss the rest of the season.
Herbert's timeline of recovery could take longer than expected, especially if the Chargers are operating with caution to avoid a long-term setback. If that is the case, the team may need to peruse the free-agent quarterback market, as Easton Stick did not prove himself to be someone who could win games under center last season.
If it does get to that point, there is really only one name the Chargers should consider.
Chargers must sign Ryan Tannehill if Justin Herbert's injury is serious
Ryan Tannehill was kicked to the curb in favor of Will Levis last season and it is hard to blame the Tennessee Titans for making that decision. Tannehill no longer looked like the same breakout quarterback from two years prior as father time was catching up to him.
However, if we are looking at veteran quarterbacks who can learn a playbook, rely on the run game and just not mess things up for the Chargers, then Tannehill is the best guy for the job. He won't win the Chargers any games if Herbert has to miss them, but he won't lose them, either.
If Herbert's injury is so serious that he misses the rest of the season then the Bolts are probably not going to make the playoffs anyway. However, if they want any chance, they would have to sign Tannehill to start ahead of Stick.
The more likely outcome (if the injury is worse than expected) would be a delayed start to the season for Herbert. If that is the case, the Chargers could lean on Tannehill to start the season and simply ask him not to mess it up.
With the first three weeks being against the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers, that should not be too much of an ask for Tannehill. Then, even in a bad situation where Herbert's return is delayed, he could come back against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 before getting another break with the Week 5 bye.
Tannehill is still open to whatever opportunity presents itself throughout the 2024 season and if there is any point where Herbert's recovery is worse than expected then the Chargers should give him a call. If they really want to be proactive, they could do it now to avoid the chance of another team swooping in if they have a QB injury.