Justin Herbert Reveals He Pushed to Play in Preseason: What It Means for His Season Ahead

Justin Herbert is set to change things up this preseason. The quarterback for the Chargers, who has never played in a preseason game, has asked Coach Jim Harbaugh to give him some snaps. This Saturday, he will play a few plays against the Rams.

Herbert shared his thoughts: “I wanted to feel the pass rush. In practice, it’s just not the same.” After talking it over with Harbaugh, they agreed it would be beneficial for him to get some real game experience.

Originally, Herbert was supposed to play in the preseason opener against the Saints. However, a serious injury to Rashawn Slater changed those plans, forcing the team to adjust. “We had to shift our focus to this week,” he said.

Herbert was drafted by the Chargers in 2020, but he didn’t have a preseason that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He sat out the next two seasons of preseason games as well, and last year he had a foot injury. Now, he’s healthy and ready to contribute. “I believe this will be good for me and the team,” he added.

Backup quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance are also set to play on Saturday, according to Harbaugh. This preseason marks an important step for Herbert as he continues to grow in his career.

### Additional Insights
Incorporating preseason games is vital for players like Herbert to develop chemistry with their teammates. According to a recent survey by the NFL Players Association, over 70% of players believe that preseason games help them prepare for the regular season. This highlights a shift in mindset among players who often previously opted to rest rather than play during this period.

Social media reactions have been positive. Fans are excited to see Herbert finally take the field in a preseason game and are sharing their expectations on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Many believe that this move could strengthen the team’s performance early in the season.

Overall, Herbert’s willingness to step onto the field this preseason may reshape his approach to the game, helping him feel more prepared as the regular season approaches.



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