Justin Herbert to play in first-ever preseason sport as Chargers face Rams: Need to 'see the go rush' – NFL.com

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Justin Herbert is ready to play in a preseason sport for the primary time in his profession when the Los Angeles Chargers visit the Rams on Saturday.
Herbert will probably be in for one or two collection at SoFi Stadium, coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned Thursday.
“I wished to go on the market and see the go rush,” Herbert mentioned. “In follow as a quarterback you do not at all times get the true feeling of a go rush so I assumed it might be useful.”
Herbert mentioned he was presupposed to play final week against the New Orleans Saints, however the plan was scuttled when Rashawn Slater‘s season-ending injury brought on modifications on the sort out positions.
Coming into his sixth season within the league, the 27-year-old quarterback has but to throw a go in a preseason sport. When he was a rookie in 2020, the preseason was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, Herbert was coming off a stellar rookie yr and then-Chargers coach Brandon Staley did not wish to danger an damage throughout exhibition play. Staley maintained that method in 2023. Final yr, Herbert was in a strolling boot with a plantar fascia damage in his proper foot that brought on him to overlook practically three weeks of coaching camp.
Trey Lance and Taylor Heinicke will play after Herbert. Lance threw for under 55 yards in opposition to the Saints however he ran seven instances for a team-high 48 yards, together with a 5-yard TD run. Lance threw for 2 TDs in a win over the Detroit Lions within the Corridor of Fame Recreation.
Heinicke began in opposition to the Saints and was 1 of 5 for 8 yards.
Additionally among the many offensive starters who’ll play in opposition to the Rams is huge receiver Keenan Allen. Herbert was reunited with one among his favourite targets when Allen returned to the Chargers for his second stint final week.
“He is such a wise ballplayer. He is capable of go on the market and be taught a totally new offense however not miss something,” Herbert mentioned. “We name a route and he will discover a method to make it work. There is a stage of consolation throwing to him simply figuring out that he is obtained such an incredible really feel.”
On protection, Khalil Mack and Derwin James will not play as Harbaugh indicated they do not want the reps.
“I do know they’re prepared,” he mentioned. “I bear in mind when Okay Mack obtained traded to the Bears and did not follow in any respect after which pick-6 and a pair sacks. I do know they’re good and able to go.”
The Chargers, who’re 2-0 within the preseason, canceled their joint follow with the Rams on Wednesday, citing a rash of accidents.
“We felt it was extra prudent to reconfigure,” Harbaugh mentioned, “and that is what we did.”
The Chargers have signed cornerback Harrison Hand and waived injured huge receiver Dez Fitzpatrick.
Hand was on injured reserve final season with Atlanta. He has two begins in 27 profession video games with Minnesota and Chicago. He additionally frolicked with the New York Giants after being a fifth-round choose of the Vikings in 2020.
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