EL SEGUNDO — Justin Herbert’s status after undergoing surgery Monday on his fractured left hand was day-to-day, according to the Chargers. Wednesday was not Herbert’s day to practice, although his participation in Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles was still to be determined.
If Herbert cannot play against the Super Bowl champions, Trey Lance would start in his place. Lance played eight plays after Herbert was hurt in the first quarter of the Chargers’ 31-14 victory Sunday over the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium.
Herbert was injured on a scramble to his left with the Chargers in the red zone. One play later, he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston, the first of two TDs he threw. Herbert then departed for the locker room to be examined and fitted with a protective cast.
The Chargers won’t reveal Herbert’s game status for Monday until Saturday.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said.
The Chargers will practice to face the Eagles as they would in any other week, with Herbert expected to start, Harbaugh said. He also said the game plan will be the same for Herbert and Lance. There won’t be any noteworthy tweaks if Herbert can’t play because the Chargers have faith in Lance.
“Prepare for all scenarios,” Harbaugh said.
Herbert has thrown for 2,842 yards and 21 touchdowns with 10 interceptions this season. Lance has thrown for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Lance completed his only pass Sunday against the Raiders for a 9-yard gain and a first down to rookie wide receiver Tre’ Harris.
“It’s just that presence that he has out there,” Harbaugh said of Lance, the third overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 draft. “Calm, cool, collected. When he was put in that position (to relieve Herbert on Sunday), he was calm, cool, collected. That’s the quarterback’s job. He’s the leader on the field.”
Asked if he’s been impressed by Lance, Harbaugh said, “What’s he been like? He’s been an NFL quarterback, a competitor. He’s been there every day. He always comes to every meeting, every practice, prepared like he’s going to be the starter in the game. So, physical ability, presence, a lot of good.”
More to come on this story.