The Los Angeles Chargers received unfortunate news as their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot. The announcement came on Thursday, casting a shadow over the start of the team's training camp.

According to the Chargers, Herbert is expected to spend approximately two weeks in a boot as part of his recovery process. The medical staff has recommended a graduated return to play protocol, with the hope of having him ready for the regular season.

Although there is optimism that Herbert will be available for the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 8, concerns about his overall health remain. The Bengals' quarterback, Joe Burrow, experienced difficulties returning from a similar injury last year, which hindered his performance and caused his team to struggle early in the season.

It's important to note that while both quarterbacks are dealing with foot injuries, the specific nature and extent of their conditions may differ. The Chargers are hopeful that Herbert will not experience any lingering effects and will be able to perform at his best once he returns.

While this setback is undoubtedly a disappointment for the Chargers and head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team remains confident in their backup quarterback, Easton Stick. Without Herbert available, Stick will have the opportunity to gain valuable reps in training camp.

However, the absence of Herbert in preseason games will limit his ability to familiarize himself with the new offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system. Despite this challenge, Herbert had the advantage of having the entire summer to learn the playbook, providing a foundation for his return.

The Chargers are trying to remain positive about Herbert's injury, assuring fans that it is not a long-term concern. Nevertheless, the timing of the injury at the onset of August training camp is unfortunate for the team, as they had hoped for a smooth and healthy start to the preseason.

As the two-week recovery period begins for Herbert, Chargers' fans and the organization eagerly await his return to the field. Their hopes are high that he can make a full recovery and lead the team to a successful season once again.