Justin Herbert has already been banged up this season, and the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback may have suffered another injury in Week 14. What happened to Herbert on Sunday, and what’s his current injury status?
Justin Herbert Injury Update
Herbert took a shot from Denver Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen in the second quarter and was spotted shaking his right hand after the play. He then jogged to the Chargers’ locker room for evaluation.
While Los Angeles initially listed Herbert as questionable to return with a finger injury, the club ruled him out just before halftime.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert injured his finger on this play and is questionable to return.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 10, 2023
After the game, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley announced that Herbert has a fractured right index finger. Given that Los Angeles was all but eliminated from postseason contention after falling to 5-8 on Sunday, the club won’t have much incentive to rush him back this year.
Herbert was wearing a splint and did not rule out the possibility of surgery, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine if he’ll be able to return this season, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Herbert is not expected to play against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He will meet with Dr. Steven Shin to determine how long he’ll be sidelined.
Easton Stick relieved Herbert under center when the Chargers started their next offensive drive. On Stick’s third play, he initially appeared to be strip-sacked by Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, who returned the fumble for a defensive touchdown. But the play was eventually overturned.
Los Angeles selected Stick, a North Dakota State product, in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s appeared in one game and attempted one pass in his pro career, a four-yard completion in 2020.
MORE: Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
This is not Herbert’s first finger injury of 2023. In early October, he fractured a finger on his left, non-throwing hand, but that injury has reportedly fully healed.
Fantasy Fallout From Herbert’s Injury
Herbert threw for 96 yards, an interception, and generated zero points prior to his injury. The Chargers have produced just 16 points through the previous two games and can’t seem to find a consistent producer alongside WR Keenan Allen in the passing game.
If Herbert misses any time in the coming weeks, Stick will be the Chargers’ QB1. Look for the fantasy value of both Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler to take a small hit while Herbert is unavailable.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate
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