COSTA MESA — Many of Justin Herbert’s remarkable throws to start his career have stood out because of his ability to escape defenders.
The Chargers’ rookie quarterback hasn’t been rattled by pressure and his mobility and instincts have allowed him to keep his eyes downfield to make impressive throws, one being the touchdown dart he completed to Keenan Allen last week against the Carolina Panthers.
Herbert got away from Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns on the touchdown highlight, but Burns hit him in the first quarter for a strip sack. Herbert also had the wind knocked out of him in the fourth quarter after taking a shot to the ribs.
The No. 6 overall pick has displayed toughness in his first two career games, but he’s taken numerous hits. That was something Chargers coach Anthony Lynn was trying to avoid during Herbert’s rookie season.
Lynn was forced to start Herbert because of Tyrod Taylor’s ribs and chest injuries and it doesn’t help that the offensive line is depleted by injuries.
Herbert has completed 69.5 percent of his passes and reached 300 passing yards in the two starts, despite the constant pocket pressure. But it will only get tougher Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ stacked front seven, which includes Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul, Vita Vea, Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David.
Herbert has played well enough to be the permanent starter, but Lynn has declined to go that far, and part of it could because he wants to protect him from taking more hits.
Lynn didn’t name a starting quarterback Wednesday for the Week 4 road game, but Herbert is on track to make his third consecutive start with Taylor missing another practice.
Right guard Trai Turner and right tackle Bryan Bulaga also didn’t practice Wednesday. The two linemen were brought in this offseason to give the Chargers one of the better right sides in the NFL, but they’ve only played one drive together.
That lone drive was also Herbert’s first career drive, and it was a memorable one, with Herbert scoring a 4-yard rushing touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.
Turner missed the first game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a knee injury and was sidelined last week versus the Panthers because of a groin injury. Bulaga injured his knee on the first drive against the Chiefs and sustained a back injury versus the Panthers.
The Chargers’ four-time Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey was lost for the season before Week 1 because of a hip injury. That moved Dan Feeney from left guard to center and promoted offensive guard Forrest Lamp to the starting lineup.
“That’s football,” Feeney said Wednesday about the injuries to the offensive line. “People go down and people gotta fill in. The train is always going to keep rolling.”
Second-year lineman Trey Pipkins has filled in for Bulaga at right tackle and Tyree St. Louis and Ryan Groy have split time at right guard to replace Turner. St. Louis sustained a concussion versus the Panthers.
Sam Tevi playing left tackle is the only consistency the Chargers have had on the offensive line, but he’s also had his share of struggles this season.
The Panthers were the only team in the NFL without a sack after two games. They found their pass rush versus the Chargers’ shorthanded offensive line.
Carolina recorded 21 pressures versus the Chargers, according to Pro Football Focus. They also hit Herbert eight times and sacked him twice.
Those numbers could get worse against the Buccaneers’ talented front seven, especially if Turner and Bulaga are out Sunday.
“Under the circumstances, I think they’ve played OK,” Lynn said about the offensive line. “Obviously, I’d say great if we were 3-0 right now, but we’re 1-2. I think they’ve played OK under these circumstances.
“A lot of these young guys have had to step up and play. They’ve haven’t played before and they’re getting some valuable game experience, and this is going to help us as the year goes on because every man on the roster at some point is going to have to play this year.”
Lynn said the thin offensive line has held its own because they’re averaging 151.6 rushing yards per game and Herbert has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes.
Herbert might be forced into many quick throws if his top linemen aren’t healthy enough to play Sunday.
“It’s probably the most I’ve had in my life,” Lynn said about the offensive line shuffling. “But we’ve gotta make it work.”
OTHER INJURIES
Defensive end Joey Bosa missed Wednesday’s practice because of multiple injuries. He has played with a triceps injury, but he appeared on the Week 4 injury report with an ankle injury.
Wide receiver Mike Williams also didn’t practice. He injured his hamstring in the fourth quarter against the Panthers.
Running back Justin Jackson returned to practice and was a full participant with a quadricep injury.
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