After Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a fractured proper index finger in Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, it is likely to be time to close him down for the rest of the season.
Per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the previous Professional Bowler just isn’t anticipated to play on Thursday evening towards the Las Vegas Raiders (5-8), and he’ll seek the advice of with an impartial specialist to find out the extent of the harm.
“All of our focus has received to be on his future,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley stated Monday, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “Definitely, there’s nothing extra essential than that, than his proper hand and his long-term future. He is 25 years previous. He is received a extremely, actually vibrant future in entrance of him. Each choice goes to be with that in thoughts.”
Over the previous two seasons, Herbert has been sacked 67 times — the sixth most within the league. He is additionally performed by important accidents, together with fractured rib cartilage and a damaged left center finger.
Even when he can return, placing the face of the franchise in danger when the staff mainly has no likelihood to make the postseason appears nonsensical. After the 24-7 loss to the Broncos (7-6), the New York Instances simulator gives the Chargers (5-8) lower than a one % likelihood to make the playoffs.
Los Angeles’ inexperienced backup QB Easton Stick may battle if he fills in for Herbert. The previous fifth-rounder has solely performed in two video games in two seasons, finishing 56 percent of his passes and posting a below-average 79.2 passer ranking.
Nonetheless, defending the franchise cornerstone is paramount. The Chargers don’t need accidents to derail his promising profession.