Despite undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his left hand, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is on track to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. The team remains confident, with offensive coordinator Greg Roman telling reporters, “For this game in particular, we’re really optimistic Justin is going to play” (Daniel Popper, The Athletic).
Herbert missed only 10 snaps during Sunday’s 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders before returning to action in a protective cast. Operating exclusively out of shotgun, he completed 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
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Chargers Managing Justin Herbert’s Injury
Just days removed from surgery, Herbert was already back on the field — this time with a protective cast wrapped around his left hand. In a video captured by ESPN’s Kris Rhim, the 27-year-old quarterback is shown gripping and throwing the football with surprising ease. The cast appears structured in a way that still allows him to control the ball, a small but meaningful sign that Herbert may indeed be trending toward availability for Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Herbert has emphasized that his availability will depend on his ability to handle the ball and manage pain, though he remains determined to play. “I expect to start,” Herbert said during a press conference, three days after surgery. The 27-year-old has thrown for 2,842 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 12 games this season, completing 66.9% of his passes.
Veteran perspective highlights the challenges of playing with a hand injury. Former quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck, Steve DeBerg, and Rich Gannon noted that while the throwing hand may not be affected, the non-throwing hand is critical for snaps, handoffs, and securing the ball. Hasselbeck explained, “Normally, when you go to the ground, you kind of brace yourself…with an injury, you can’t protect yourself going to the ground.”
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The Quarterback Standard
As Sam Farmer of the LA Times notes, playing through such injuries is part of the quarterback’s role: “The quarterback sets the standard on the team, and creates a ‘sacred trust’ that he’s going to do everything he possibly can to be out on the field.” The Chargers will continue to monitor Herbert’s progress through practice later this week, but barring setbacks, the 2020 Rookie of the Year is expected to lead the team on Monday night.
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