Easton Stick is ready for his opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers after star quarterback Justin Herbert underwent finger surgery that will end his 2023 season.
Herbert’s run of consecutive games will come to an end on 62 with Stick set to start Thursday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders for a Chargers team still in with a chance of the post season.
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Stick, 28, was drafted in the fifth round in 2019 after winning 49 games as a starter and four national titles with North Dakota State.
He appreciates the NFL is a step up in class but he’s ready for the challenge.
He said: “Look, I understand North Dakota State is not the National Football League, but I’m used to winning. I only know one way.”
Stick insists he is ready but conceded the nerves will start to kick in come game time.
“No nerves [yet],” Stick said. “Maybe on Thursday. It’s kind of standard for everybody before you go out there.
“Obviously, this isn’t how I envisioned it. When they selected me five years ago, this is what you want as a kid – an opportunity to go play. I’m excited for that.”
Safety Derwin James is backing Stick to shine after doing a solid job when he replaced Herbert in the second quarter of Sunday’s defeat to the Denver Broncos.
He said: “I have all the confidence in the world.
“He gives us a great look every week. When he got in the game, you’ve seen the throws that he was able to make and some of the plays he was able to make.
“I have all of the confidence in him. We’re going to be behind him and have his back as a defense.”
