If you have been a Chargers fan for any amount of time, or a general NFL fan you know that the injury curse plagues the Chargers relentlessly. No matter what staff, players, field, or stadium, the Chargers have been constantly berated by long-term injuries that completely derail seasons. The war of attrition always reigns supreme while the Chargers lie helpless.
In 2024, the Bolts did everything they could to garner a new staff with a strong plan to combat injuries. However, on August 1st, the infamous Chargers curse simply laughed in the face of Chargers hopefuls.
Chargers Injury Report – The Justin Herbert Conundrum
The Chargers superstar quarterback, Justin Herbert, is once again… hurt. Herbert was diagnosed with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, today August 1st, however, this injury was suffered on Wednesday. Herbert is expected to miss a minimum of two weeks as he will be in a boot, then will have a “gradual return to play protocol”. This is good news, as he will be back in time for the season.
This breakdown by Dr. Morse is extremely helpful in understanding the pain, timeframe, and how it all works. However, his opinions on the fantasy football side of things are his only. He mentions that this injury has likely been an issue for a while but has just gotten to the point where it has been noticeable, which is likely the result of a partial or full tear. The full tear hurts much less, so that should be the hope if a tear is the case.
🚨 BREAKING: Justin Herbert foot injury
Full breakdown on @InjuryExpertz soon pic.twitter.com/86y5cDf7Qk
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) August 1, 2024
Unfortunately, missing out on weeks of practice and being unable to build chemistry with a completely overhauled offense is crucial. Herbert currently only has a previous-season rapport with Joshua Palmer and, arguably, Quentin Johnston. The rookies of Ladd McConkey, Brenden Rice, and Cornelius Johnson will not get crucial reps with the starting quarterback, which could hurt their stock and role in the offense. Furthermore, for the late-round rookies (Rice and Johnson), this could even spell the death of their chances of making the roster. Receivers cannot make plays if they do not get the ball.
Joey Bosa Fights Injury Once Again
As of the time of writing, this injury is quite cut and dry. Well-respected Chargers reporter Daniel Popper reports that pro-bowl EDGE rusher Joey Bosa left drills and went inside with a trainer. When you see the words “Joey Bosa” and “Chargers injury” within the same sentence, this is going to give Chargers fans much fear.
Joey Bosa just left 1 on 1s and ran inside with a trainer.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 2, 2024
The hope is that this is something precautionary and Bosa will be fine. The Chargers have seen many players leave practice and come back quite soon. The Jim Harbaugh experience is seeing plenty of players leaving practice and not giving any context to explain such. Nevertheless, the Harbaugh way seems to be the best opponent to the infamous Chargers curse that has haunted the bolts since what seems like the beginning of the franchise’s conception.
Update: Joey Bosa returned to practice and started to participate in 11on11 drills. A scare nonetheless, is the curse just toying with the fans?
Bosa is back on the sideline https://t.co/mJCv9iib00
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 2, 2024
Chargers Rookies: Kimani Vidal & Ladd McConkey Add Salt in The Wound
Chargers sixth-round rookie runningback, Kimani Vidal is one that many are excited about. The 5’7 sawed-off shotgun of a runningback has an exciting playstyle and one that could be very well used in the Chargers’ run-first approach to offense. Although, the pain doesn’t stop at Herbert and Bosa. The Troy rusher was reported as a player who ran off into the facility with a trainer.
Another Chargers injury to add to what is a growing list. Vidal missing time could lead to opportunities for Isaiah Spiller and Elijah Dotson, possibly giving them the window to crack the roster while Vidal heals up. Hopefully, the rookie’s injury is an easy one to heal from.
Rookie RB Kimani Vidal just went into the facility with a trainer.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 2, 2024
Hopefully, the last of the onslaught, which has been Thursday’s practice, is the injury to Ladd McConkey. There is very little information on what is happening other than the very minimalistic comment from Harbaugh.
Chargers WR Ladd McConkey "working through something", per Jim Harbaugh.
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) August 2, 2024
The good news is that McConkey was out there practicing today and has been dominating as always. This is likely another precautionary Chargers injury report. If McConkey were to miss time, look for other young receivers to step up, like the aforementioned Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson. The 2024 Chargers are in for a long season, hopefully, one that gets healthy at the right time and goes on a timely run.
Main Image: Kiyoshi Mio – USA Today Sports
