Justin Herbert did not take the field for the Los Angeles Chargers‘ preseason opener against the Houston Texans last Thursday.
However, the star quarterback is expected to play some limited action in Thursday night’s preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
On Tuesday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Herbert and the rest of the Los Angeles starters will play the opening series of their clash against the 49ers. The backups will then take over for the remainder of the contest.
“Starters are going to play a series then they’re going to come out. The backups will play the rest of the game,” Harbaugh said, via the team’s official website
Herbert is looking forward to getting some meaningful reps as the Chargers prepare for the 2026 regular-season campaign.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to go play in a football game. It’s been awhile so I’m looking for it,” Herbert added.
The Chargers’ new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, is also excited to see what Herbert can do during his first in-game action in this new system.
“I’m excited to have the first out of the way,” McDaniel said. “I think there’s a big thing for players are human beings and haven’t played a real game in six months.
“Going through warmups then taking it out and communicating in a new language is very exciting. I’m sure live speed I’ll want him to do a couple of things that I won’t be able to see him do because he’ll be out of there.”