Khalil Mack Praises Justin Herbert: ‘He’s a Savage on the Field!’
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack is full of admiration for his quarterback, Justin Herbert. In a recent conversation, Mack opened up about Herbert’s relentless work ethic during the offseason, especially following an unfortunate foot injury.
Khalil Mack’s Take on Herbert’s Offseason Work
The 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Khalil Mack, spoke candidly about Herbert’s dedication. “Herb’s a dog, man,” he told Kay Adams during a Friday segment. The linebacker emphasized the quarterback’s commitment when they worked out together: “He’s a savage, man. I love that guy.”
Mack further described Herbert as a “quiet dude,” yet one who puts in tireless effort. “You would think he was coming in the edge room with me afterwards,” Mack added. He highlighted Herbert’s focus on strength training, saying, “He ended up working his neck, traps, and core.” It’s clear that Justin Herbert is not just an athlete; he’s a player committed to his craft.
What Does ‘Savage’ Mean in the NFL?
Adams sought clarification on what made Herbert a “savage.” Mack responded, “Yeah, he’s a hard worker. He lets the work speak for itself.” He insists that Herbert doesn’t seek attention or accolades but prefers to focus on grinding it out.
Mack’s praise reflects Herbert’s approach to the game, demonstrating that behind the calm exterior lies a fierce competitor with a relentless spirit. “It shows with his performance,” Mack concluded.
Justin Herbert’s Recovery from Injury
In late July, Justin Herbert suffered a foot injury to the plantar fascia. This setback came just as the training camp was getting underway. However, recent reports have been promising. On Thursday, Herbert made his way onto the practice field without a walking boot for the first time since the injury. “It felt like progress,” remarked Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh after observing Herbert’s participation.
Despite the encouraging signs, Harbaugh admitted he can’t yet gauge how close Herbert is to returning to full practice. The anticipation around Herbert’s recovery draws attention to the upcoming season: how quickly he can regain a starting position and lead the Chargers.
Upcoming NFL Season Highlights
- August 1: Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears
- August 8: Preseason Begins
- August 27: Deadline for 53-man Rosters
- September 1: Final Day of Preseason
- September 5: Season Opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs
- November 5: Trade Deadline
- January 5: Week 18 of Regular Season
- January 11: Playoffs Begin
- February 9: Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Chargers kicked off their preseason with a challenging opener against the Seattle Seahawks, where they lost 16-3. The backup quarterbacks struggled, completing only 14 out of 32 attempts, totaling 133 yards with no touchdowns. This performance highlighted the urgency for Herbert’s return as the team prepares for a tough schedule ahead.
A Bright Future for the Chargers and Herbert
As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for the 2024 NFL season, the focus remains on Herbert’s recovery and his crucial role in the team. The word around the locker room is filled with excitement and hope. Mack’s comments about Herbert are not just fluff; they underline the camaraderie and trust within the team.
Next, the Chargers are set to face the Los Angeles Rams, followed by a final preseason matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 8.
In summary, Khalil Mack’s admiration for Justin Herbert shines a light on the keepers of the game—the hard workers, the quiet competitors who fight through adversity. As Herbert gears up to make his comeback, the energy surrounding the Chargers is palpable, setting a thrilling stage for the 2024 NFL season.