Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who returned to practice Monday for the first time since last month because of a foot injury, participated in an 11-on-11 drill on Tuesday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
It was another day, another step forward for Justin Herbert.
The Chargers had their star quarterback participate in a 7-on-7 practice Monday on his first day back from a torn plantar fascia in his right foot. On Tuesday, Herbert played under center a few times in an 11-on-11 session.
Herbert has been out since last month, and with former star starters Keenan Allen and Mike Williams leaving for other teams, the connection between the reshuffled receivers and the quarterback was a real concern.
Still, Herbert didn't seem to have any trouble fitting in with the group that last practiced in July, connecting primarily with veterans Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston, the Chargers' No. 1 draft pick last season.
The highlight came in the red zone period, when Herbert rolled out and threw a pass over two defenders for an over-the-shoulder touchdown catch with Palmer.
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“He's picked up where he left off,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “There are some little things he's trying to improve on, but overall, he's looked pretty good.”
While Roman didn't explicitly hear the “voice of an angel” that coach Jim Harbaugh described as Herbert's return on Monday, he acknowledged his joy at having the team's franchise player back under center.
“There was definitely something there. I don't know if it was an angel or not,” Roman said. “It's great to have him back and directing the show.”
With Herbert's return, there was a palpable change in mood and an almost palpable increase in energy levels.
“Justin is one of the best quarterbacks on the planet,” Roman added. “When you have a guy like him, it always comes with a presence.”
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Defensively, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. also acknowledged that Herbert's return has made a difference. Playing against Herbert again in practice, Samuel noticed Herbert's command of the offense and his timing.
“Obviously it's different going up against one of the best quarterbacks in the game,” Samuel said. “You can feel it again. Everything's different.”
Despite being sidelined from the physical aspects of practice, Lowman said Herbert has remained mentally focused on the offense throughout his rehab.
Roman stressed that the team's success depends on contributions from all 11 players on the offensive line, not just their star quarterback.
“There's a lot of work to do,” Roman said. “Everybody has a job to do. Not just Justin. Everybody has to pitch in.”
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This article originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
