In a significant blow to the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert has been diagnosed with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. The team announced on Thursday that Herbert is expected to be out of action for a minimum of two weeks. During this time, he will be wearing a walking boot to aid in his recovery.

This injury comes as a setback for the Chargers as they strive to move past their disappointing 5-12 record from last season. With a new head coach in Jim Harbaugh and numerous fresh faces on the roster, the team is eager to start the upcoming season on a positive note.

Prior to this latest setback, Herbert had showcased remarkable durability throughout his NFL career. He had started an impressive streak of 62 consecutive games and had not missed a game due to injury. However, last December, he suffered a season-ending finger injury, causing him to sit out the Chargers' final four games, all of which resulted in losses.

Despite the setback, Herbert's performance on the field has been impressive. Over the course of his four NFL seasons, he has completed 66.6% of his passes and accrued 17,223 yards, along with 114 touchdowns and only 42 interceptions. Additionally, he has showcased his athleticism by rushing for 911 yards and scoring 11 rushing touchdowns.

With Herbert sidelined, the Chargers will turn to their other quarterbacks on the roster. Currently, the team has three additional quarterbacks: Easton Stick, Max Duggan, and Casey Bauman. Stick, who stepped in for Herbert in the latter part of last season, demonstrated his capabilities by throwing for 1,129 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. However, he also struggled with ball security, fumbling five times and losing four of them.

The Chargers' hope is that Herbert will make a full recovery and be ready to take the field at the start of the regular season. The team is set to open their season at home against the Raiders in Week 1. As they navigate this temporary setback, the Chargers remain hopeful and optimistic about their chances under the leadership of Coach Harbaugh.

The exact timeline for Herbert's return remains uncertain, but the team is taking measures to ensure a swift and safe recovery for their talented quarterback. In the meantime, the Chargers will continue to prepare for the upcoming season, striving to build momentum and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.