The Los Angeles Chargers play the Denver Broncos in Week 18. They’ll do so without signal-caller Justin Herbert as he will not dress for the game. Herbert’s been fighting a broken left hand since Week 13. With the playoffs coming soon, this injury brings his health and performance into question.
Herbert was also named to his second Pro Bowl this season. As he wrapped up his sixth year in the NFL, his numbers were eye-popping. He passed for 3,727 passing yards this season, tossing 26 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions. In last week’s contest against the Houston Texans, Herbert displayed tremendous moxie. He passed for 236 yards and a touchdown and ranked as the team’s leading rusher (again) with 37 yards.
Even with these milestones accomplished, the inexperienced coaching staff has chosen to hold him out for the last game of the regular season. Coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized that the decision was not influenced by potential wild-card matchups, stating, “Winning and health, being healthy, those are our two objectives.”
Perhaps Herbert’s injury was best illustrated during the Texans game. That face—wince, agony that he just landed on the hand he had previously hurt while taking one of the five sacks the offensive line had allowed that day. Whether or not he could continue to compete effectively while still nursing the injury cast doubt over his preparedness for the coming playoff matchups.
With Herbert forced to miss time, Trey Lance finished the match up as the starting quarterback for the Dolphins vs Broncos matchup. In the meantime, it seems like DJ Uiagalelei will be Guy’s backup. In their minds, this strategic decision gives Herbert the best chance to return to full form. It’s not severe, and they’re hopeful he is ready come postseason play.
This season has been the year of the dual threat with Herbert rushing for a career-high 498 yards and adding two touchdowns on the ground. As he heads into playoff contention, the Chargers will try to keep him in good health. In this manner, he can best prepare his team for their ultimate goal of making noise in the postseason.
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