Herbert Returns for Chargers 

With Herbert at quarterback, the team is way different team than with Easton Stick or Luis Perez playing the role. Stick started their first two preseason games and, although he improved from Week 1 to Week 2, there was absolutely nothing glowing about his throws in two first-half starts. The team has yet to score a touchdown in the pre-season.  

Earl Heath 

Contributing Sports Writer

The best pre-season news for the LA Chargers came this week with the return of QB Justin Herbert.  

With Herbert at quarterback, the team is way different team than with Easton Stick or Luis Perez playing the role. Stick started their first two preseason games and, although he improved from Week 1 to Week 2, there was absolutely nothing glowing about his throws in two first-half starts. The team has yet to score a touchdown in the pre-season.  

All the scoring has come from four field goals by Cameron Dicker, including three during their 13-9 loss to the Rams last weekend. Dicker also had a 58-yard field goal in a 16-3  setback to the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 10. 

Herbert’s mere presence on the practice field has uplifted the Chargers’ spirits earlier this week. He worked only in 7-on-7 drills the first day, standing on the sideline during 11-on-11 drills. On day two, he participated in 7-on-7s plus a few selected 11-on-11s. 

“There’s definitely a difference just going against one of the best quarterbacks in the game right now,” Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. said of welcoming Herbert back after a layoff of more than two weeks because of a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. I can feel it. Everything is different.” 

If all goes to plan and Herbert suffers no setbacks to his foot between now and Sept. 8 when they have their regular-season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. That’s when the questions about the Chargers’ backups and their lack of success in exhibition play become less important. What matters is whether Herbert connects with his receivers, tight ends, and running backs. 

“He’s been mentally engaged the whole time, working extremely hard, on top of everything, just wanting to get back out there,” said offensive coordinator Greg Roman “So, it’s a good step. It’s all done within the medical protocol that’s put forth. So, he’s definitely taking steps, and it was good to have him out there and see him run the show.” 

ADD BOLTS: A bright spot for the Bolts Kimani Vidal  vs the RAMS the sixth-round pick made an immediate impact with 21 rushing yards on his first two carries and finished with a solid 49 yards on 11 carries,