Jim Harbaugh analyzes Easton Stick's showing after Justin Herbert injury

Jim Harbaugh weighed in on how Easton Stick has looked during training camp as Justin Herbert deals with an injury. While speaking to reporters last week, the Los Angeles Chargers head coach said he liked what he’s seen from Stick.

“He was the same that he was the day before,” Harbaugh said. “He attacks everything he does. …The way he goes about his business is always top-notch.”

The Chargers announced last week that Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot. Doctors recommended the former Oregon Ducks star wear a boot for two weeks, but he is expected to be ready to go when the regular season begins next month.

The Chargers selected Stick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s seen the most action in his career last season, playing in five games with four starts. He saw extended action because Herbert suffered a season-ending injury in December. In the four starts, Stick, who won four national titles at North Dakota State, threw for 1,129 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, but the Chargers went 0-4 during that span. In March, Stick signed a one-year contract with the Chargers.

Justin Herbert loved watching Easton Stick ‘battle and compete’

After the 2023 season, Herbert praised Stick for stepping up when he went down. “It could’ve been real easy for a lot of them to shut it down and quit, but these guys stuck together,” Herbert said, per the Chargers’ official website. “It was awesome watching [Easton] Stick go out there and play and battle and compete. I thought he did a great job stepping in. There are obviously things we can do better, but watching them fight and compete, I gained a new appreciation for that.”

Stick was thankful for the opportunity to play last year despite the circumstances. “I think the word that comes to mind is grateful,” Stick said. “Just really grateful to the Spanos family, this organization, a couple of coaching staffs that stuck with me and, ultimately, gave me an opportunity to go out there and compete with the guys.

“It’s been tough. It’s really frustrating when you don’t win. You play to win,” Stick added. “But, I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of this organization and to have their support.”