Why Sam Monson Chose Justin Herbert Over Stafford and Maye for NFL MVP
Chargers Nearly Had a Justin Herbert Nightmare Scenario Just Days Before 2026 Season Opener 1
The Los Angeles Chargers are just days away from kicking off their 2026 NFL campaign, and a lot of pressure on the team is riding on the shoulders of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert.
Needless to say, Herbert is the team’s most important player, all things considered.
But a video taken recently during a Los Angeles practice showed a scary situation where Herbert could have suffered an injury.
While the former Oregon Ducks star quarterback was practicing his dropbacks, a photographer came running behind Herbert. Fortunately, they didn’t make contact. Given their momentum, either of them could have gotten hurt if they had collided.
Here is a video of that near-collision shared by Kris Rhim of ESPN:
Chaos just nearly avoided on this Justin Herbert drop back pic.twitter.com/s38nfZ56S1
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 7, 2026
Herbert, Chargers to Face Intriguing Opponent in Week 1
Los Angeles Chargers, Najee HarrisLos Angeles Chargers, Najee Harris
Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles quarterback Herbert (10) hands the ball off to running back Najee Harris (22) during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
With Herbert looking ready to go, Los Angeles can feel confident in its chances to get that 1-0 record right out of the gate in Week 1 of the campaign.
The Chargers will open their season with a home game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The Cardinals are not exactly viewed as a top contender for the NFL playoffs, let alone for a Super Bowl title, but Los Angeles can’t underestimate Mike LaFleur’s Cards, who have something to prove as well.
The Chargers finished second in the AFC West standings in 2025 with an 11-6 record and made the playoffs, though they were eliminated in the wild-card round by the New England Patriots.
Justin HerbertJustin Herbert
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images