Get ready, Bolts fans, because Thursday night is about to drop the first true hint of what the Los Angeles Chargers are bringing this season! Head coach Jim Harbaugh just told reporters that not only are the Chargers hitting a joint practice with the 49ers on Tuesday, but their starters,including superstar quarterback Justin Herbert,are actually playing in Thursday’s preseason game!
Harbaugh’s Plan for Herbert
Now, before you go thinking a full game, hold up. Harbaugh laid it out: the plan is for Herbert and the other starters to hit the field for just one series, then they’re heading straight to the bench. It’s a pretty familiar move for Harbaugh, actually. He pulled a similar play with the Chargers last summer. That was a big deal itself, as it marked the very first time Herbert had ever seen preseason action, thanks to a mix of COVID disruptions, past coaching decisions, and a foot injury keeping him sidelined in previous exhibition games. So, yeah, even a single series is a significant step for that guy!
The McDaniel Scheme Debut
But here’s the real kicker this year: Thursday isn’t just about Herbert getting a few snaps. This is our first chance,like, ever,to see Herbert running offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme in a live game setting. This isn’t just some vanilla preseason playbook, folks. McDaniel himself dropped a bombshell on Monday, stating his goal for the offense is to produce “Year 2 results in Year 1.” That’s a massive statement, right? And Thursday? That’s the moment we finally get to glimpse how close they actually are to hitting that aggressive target.
So, keep those eyes peeled on Thursday. It’s one series for Herbert, sure, but it’s a whole lot more than that. It’s the Chargers kicking off the season by showing us if McDaniel’s high-flying vision is ready to roll from day one. You just know everyone is going to be watching that first drive!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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