Justin Herbert was back on the practice field this week, giving the Chargers their first real look at how quickly Mike McDaniel’s scheme could take hold.
Herbert went five-for-five in a 7-on-7 drill, but what stood out more was how the coaching staff got a better sense of how everything fits around his game.
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The Chargers have never had any doubts about Herbert being ready in time for training camp, even after he had surgery last December to repair his broken finger. He took part in individual drills during OTAs but skipped team periods until minicamp this week.
When asked about minicamp, Mike McDaniel replied: “Not relying too heavily on Justin’s ability to do above and beyond is critical to maximise those types of opportunities. That’ll be one of the first things that we’ll try to do is take a little off his plate so that he is free to do that when his greatness is required.”
The only thing that might slow him down early on is learning some of the terminology differences in McDaniel’s system compared to what he was used to under Kellen Moore. But all indications are that it shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty ImagesHerbert returned to practice without missing a beat
Herbert was back in training on Wednesday after sitting out voluntary work to be with his girlfriend, Madison Beer, on her European tour. Jim Harbaugh had given Herbert the green light and said he was fully supportive of the decision.
During team drills, Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston between three defenders. He also completed all five of his throws in 7-on-7, spreading the ball to Johnston, Omarion Hampton, Tre’ Harris, Kimani Vidal and JaQuae Jackson. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was closely observing from the sideline.
Herbert’s return to practice also helped show how quickly the Chargers’ new offense works. The structure and timing looked sharper with him back on the field, especially during one stretch where he hit all five of his throws in 7-on-7 drills.
For now, having Herbert back gave the staff an early look at how the ball moves through McDaniel’s scheme. Last year, Herbert threw for 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns over 16 starts, but there was also that playoff loss to New England where he was sacked six times and limited to just 159 yards passing.
Chargers’ O-Line stability on the way
Harbaugh also mentioned that Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are ahead of schedule in their recoveries after both missed significant time last season. Slater sat out the entire year with a knee injury, while Alt played just six games due to an ankle issue but still earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Both tackles were back on the field in front of Herbert during Wednesday’s session. If they stay healthy through camp, McDaniel will have the chance to implement more of his playbook with the protection it was built around.
The Chargers mixed and matched several different combinations along the interior offensive line. Kayode Awosika, Tyler Biadasz, and Cole Strange began the session as the starting group, while rookie Jake Slaughter also saw time at left guard.
That unit will need to prove itself over time. With Herbert back under centre, Slater returning from injury, and Alt progressing well in his recovery, the framework of the line looks solid heading into mandatory minicamp from June 16-18. The real test will be whether the interior can hold up well enough to allow McDaniel to fully implement his motion-heavy, play-action scheme without constant pressure collapsing around Herbert.
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