The Los Angeles Chargers got a very fortunate piece of news this week. After having surgery on his left hand after suffering a fracture in last week’ game, Justin Herbert is preparing to play Monday night in an important game against the Eagles.
This comes after news that Herbert did not participate in practice on Wednesday, but went through a non-contact walk through. “The plan is to prepare as if I’m going to play and see how the next couple of days goes,” Herbert said according to ESPN. “Do everything I can to be out there for the team and the guys out there.”
Herbert’s Uncertain Recovery Timeline
Apparently, Herbert didn’t seem to know the full details of his surgery, only that a plate was inserted to stabilize the hand. He wore a cast throughout the walkthrough to protect the hand from any contact.
The injury had occurred in the first quarter of the Chargers’ Week 13 matchup against the Raiders, when Jeremy Chinn’s helmet appeared to make direct contact on Herbert’s non-throwing hand on a scramble play. Herbert did stay in the game, throwing a touchdown on the next play, but went to the locker room after the drive to put on a cast and glove, missing several plays.
The main concern for Herbert’s injury is his ability to grip the football. After returning to the game, the Chargers were unable to take snaps under center. This will have to be closely monitored throughout the game should Herbert be ready to play.
This is a similar injury to what happened to Herbert two years ago, when he fractured his middle finger on his left hand. As a result, the Chargers switched primarily to shotgun in order to protect his hand then.
A Critical Stretch for the Chargers’ Season
Now the Chargers are faced with another situation, but this time, in the midst of a playoff push. The game against the Eagles is only one in a hard stretch which will define the Chargers’ season, having to play their two closest AFC West rivals in the span of three weeks.
Herbert has been through this before, but never to this extent.
It’s not ideal,” Herbert said of the situation. “It’s definitely difficult in this league, but if that’s the case and if Coach feels like I’ll get the best shot for the team, then I trust his decision.”
If push comes to shove for the Chargers, Trey Lance could come in for situations that require under center snaps: goal-line, short third down situations, etc. Still, it feels like good news to know that Herbert is willing to give in a shot in such a pivotal moment for the Chargers in their season.
“I’m doing everything I can to be out there,” Herbert said. “I’d fight through anything for those guys, but at the end of the day, you have to be realistic and listen to the doctors because they know best. We’ll see how it goes.”
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