The Los Angeles Chargers walked away from Sunday’s 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with momentum — but also a significant concern. Jim Harbaugh confirmed Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert “will get surgery this afternoon,” a decisive and immediate step after Herbert fractured his left hand during the first quarter.
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The Injury and Immediate Impact
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
Herbert suffered the break on a scramble when Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn’s helmet collided directly with his non-throwing hand. Despite visible discomfort, Herbert stayed in the game long enough to throw a touchdown on the very next play, then briefly retreated to the locker room to have the hand stabilized with a cast and glove.
The injury limited the Chargers’ play-calling, eliminating snaps from under center and forcing the offense into shotgun for the remainder of the game — a familiar adjustment for Herbert, who fractured the same hand two seasons ago.
“It’s one of those things where you just stabilize it,” Herbert said afterward. “I’m not the doctor, unfortunately, but they were hopeful. So I think that’s a good thing.”
Harbaugh: Surgery Happens Today
Harbaugh’s announcement that the procedure is happening today underscores both the urgency and the optimism inside the building. The team is still uncertain whether Herbert will miss time, but Herbert himself echoed confidence.
He expects to play Dec. 8 against the Eagles on Monday Night Football.
“I think it’s just something that we will monitor as the week goes on,” he said.
What’s Next for the Chargers
If Herbert is forced out, Trey Lance is expected to step in. The former No. 3 pick has appeared in only two games this season, but the Chargers value his readiness — something Herbert noted when explaining that Lance was prepared for any under-center work Sunday.
At 8–4, Los Angeles is firmly in the AFC playoff picture, but the road tightens from here. Four of their final five opponents were postseason teams last year, leaving little margin for uncertainty at quarterback.
Still, with surgery underway today — and Herbert’s history of playing through similar injuries — the Chargers remain hopeful that their franchise quarterback will be available when the lights get brightest.
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