Will Justin Herbert play against Cardinals in Week 1 game (Getty Images)

Will Justin Herbert play against Cardinals in Week 1 game (Getty Images)

Chargers Begin 2026 Season with Herbert and New Coordinator

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off their 2026 season this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Quarterback Justin Herbert, now in his seventh NFL season, is under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Chargers are looking to build on their recent success, having achieved back-to-back 11-win seasons, and have set their sights on playoff contention. Herbert’s performance is a focal point for both fans and fantasy football enthusiasts as the opener approaches.

McDaniel comes to Los Angeles after running Miami’s offense and is expected to bring a more explosive, creative attack to a team that has already won 11 games in each of the past two seasons. Slater is expected to play for the first time since January 2025, and his return matters immediately given that Arizona’s pass rush will be waiting on the other side. Against a Cardinals team that went 3-14 last season and is now starting Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, Herbert and the Chargers offense should have room to operate. That is a heavy bar to carry into Week 1. Herbert is 28 years old and heading into his seventh NFL season, and his list of career achievements is fairly meager so far. 3 overall pick, suffered a high ankle sprain during the preseason, though Arizona remains optimistic that he could contribute if healthy enough. Week 1 is where Herbert begins building the case that Harbaugh’s faith is not misplaced.

He has never won a playoff game, never been a first-team All-Pro or league MVP, and never led the league in any major statistical category.

“Allow me to call my shot, like Babe Ruth pointing his bat over to centerfield: Justin Herbert, when it’s all said and done, when his career comes to an end, I predict he will be known as the greatest, best ever to play the position of quarterback,” Harbaugh said. Yes. Justin Herbert is expected to play and serve as the centerpiece of McDaniel’s offense. There is no injury concern flagged around the quarterback heading into Sunday’s game. What makes this opener genuinely interesting is the system around him. For Herbert, it is a real chance to operate within a scheme built for creativity rather than conservatism. The supporting cast looks healthy and capable. Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and second-year running back Omarion Hampton give Herbert legitimate weapons at multiple levels. But perhaps the most important subplot is the return of left tackle Rashawn Slater. The matchup on paper heavily favors Los Angeles, and McDaniel’s first regular-season game as Chargers offensive coordinator will be watched closely across the league. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has made no secret of his belief in his quarterback. Harbaugh is clearly betting that the next chapter looks different. Sunday’s game is less about whether Herbert plays and more about what kind of statement he makes in a matchup that sets the tone for the whole season. The Cardinals’ offense will be led by Brissett, who faces a difficult opening assignment against a Chargers defense that has been one of the league’s better units in recent years. Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu lead a dangerous pass rush that will look to pressure Brissett consistently throughout the afternoon. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Even with those pieces, the gap between these two rosters is significant. Herbert operating in McDaniel’s new system, backed by a strong defense and a healthy offensive line, gives the Chargers a clear edge. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.

Just days before the opener, Harbaugh delivered one of the more memorable pre-season proclamations in recent memory. On the other side, Arizona does have Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the team’s biggest offensive threats, who could be heavily involved on Sunday.