Herbert (finger) has impressed early in OTAs during 11-on-11 drills and is already demonstrating a connection with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports. Herbert looks fully recovered from the finger injury that cost him the final four games of 2023, and after losing both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams (knee) this offseason, it's encouraging to see him already establishing trust with McConkey. Even with new coach Jim Harbaugh installing a run-heavy scheme, Herbert should still provide strong passing numbers working with McConkey and returning wideouts Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston. The addition of No. 5 overall pick Joe Alt, who's started at right tackle throughout OTAs, also promises more protection for Herbert, which should ease any adjustment to a new offensive philosophy.
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Herbert (finger) has impressed early in OTAs during 11-on-11 drills and is already demonstrating a connection with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports. Herbert looks fully recovered from the finger injury that cost him the final four games of 2023, and after losing both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams (knee) this offseason, it's encouraging to see him already establishing trust with McConkey. Even with new coach Jim Harbaugh installing a run-heavy scheme, Herbert should still provide strong passing numbers working with McConkey and returning wideouts Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston. The addition of No. 5 overall pick Joe Alt, who's started at right tackle throughout OTAs, also promises more protection for Herbert, which should ease any adjustment to a new offensive philosophy.
Herbert has lost the majority of his offensive playmakers with the departures of WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, RB Austin Ekeler and TE Gerald Everett this offseason, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports. That quartet accounted for 57 percent of Herbert's completions, pass yards and touchdowns last season. Still remaining on the roster are WRs Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston, the latter of whom is likely to be tasked up considerably in 2024. Coach Jim Harbaugh also is known for his desire to run the ball effectively, though Gus Edwards and Isaiah Spiller are an underwhelming duo atop the RB depth chart. All told, Herbert's supporting cast has taken a significant hit this offseason, even after taking into account that the team could be in line to draft a wide receiver or tight end Brock Bowers with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Herbert endured a number of notable drops Sunday, contributing toward another narrow defeat. The quarterback nonetheless turned in a good individual display, tossing a 51-yard score to Stone Smartt and a 10-yard touchdown to top target Keenan Allen. With a season-high output on the ground as well, Herbert was productive throughout the contest but was handed a second-straight three-point defeat.
In a battle of two heavyweight offenses, Herbert simply ran out of possessions to try and answer as both teams traded major touchdowns all game long. The Pro Bowl quarterback keyed in specifically on Keenan Allen, who caught 11 of his 14 targets for 175 yards and two scores, but a dropped pass in single coverage by Quentin Johnston in the third quarter could have resulted in an even bigger afternoon. Herbert might not be on pace for his career-setting figures of 2021, but he's clearly one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the league when the Chargers are forced to keep their foot on the gas. Herbert should have plenty of time to pile on production in the second half of the season, beginning with a Week 11 matchup against the Packers.