Justin Herbert testing out red-tinted contact lenses at Chargers camp, says they help him see field better

Justin Herbert makes headlines every time the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback switches up his hairstyle. He's in the news Thursday for another change to his appearance.

The blue-eyed Herbert is testing red-tinted contact lenses at Chargers training camp.

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The prescription UV protection lenses serve as an alternative to a tinted helmet visor, which Herbert tried to wear a couple years ago but didn't like because of how often he had to clean it off.

"They’re like sunglasses," Herbert said of the red-tinted contact lenses, according to The Associated Press. "They really helped. I didn’t have to squint nearly as much."

While Herbert also used the lenses for his sensitive eyes earlier in the week while he got work in with the team's rookies, he told reporters Thursday that he doesn't think his teammates in the huddle were expecting his eyes to look dark red.

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“When I stepped in the huddle, I think some of the guys were a little surprised,” Herbert said, per the AP. "But they were like, ‘Oh, we’re going to score.’"

Herbert reportedly enjoyed quite a bit of success during Thursday's practice, perhaps most notably connecting downfield with wide receiver Jalen Reagor for a highlight-reel touchdown. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and one-time Pro Bowler dropped in the deep pass over Chargers cornerback Cam Hart.

Earlier this month, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker — who has a strikingly similar look to Herbert — went on FS1's "The Herd" and told a story about how the two of them wore the red contacts to dinner one night.

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“We looked like we were vampires,” Dicker said. “We were like, ‘This is incredible.’”

Herbert would like to wear the contacts in games this season, although he admitted Thursday he'll have to verify if they're permitted by league rules.