Questionable.
That was the Chargers’ final assessment of quarterback Justin Herbert’s availability for their game against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night at SoFi Stadium. Herbert was listed as a limited participant for their final practice Saturday morning in El Segundo.
Herbert threw passes, but he did not take direct snaps from under center during individual drills, the portion of practice open for reporters’ observation, during a week of preparation. His surgically stabilized left, non-throwing hand did not appear to impact his throwing motion or his accuracy.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh revealed Friday that Herbert participated in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills during during practice this past week. Reporters observed that Herbert was handed the ball whenever he was set up directly behind the center during individual drills.
The Chargers seemed uncharacteristically optimistic about the possibility that Herbert would be sound enough to play, after he fractured his hand on a first-quarter scramble in their victory this past Sunday over the Las Vegas Raiders. He was sidelined for eight plays before returning to the game.
The team’s medical staff fitted Herbert with a protective cast and glove and the only debilitating factor in the final three quarters against the Raiders was his ability to take snaps from under center. All of the offensive plays were in a shotgun or pistol formation in a 31-14 victory.
Herbert threw for 151 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception.
Surgery was performed Monday with a plate and screws inserted into the hand.
“That’s the plan, to prepare as if I’m going to play,” Herbert said Wednesday.
Or, as Harbaugh said Friday, “Optimistic.”
Backup quarterback Trey Lance could play in short-yardage or goal-line situations in order to give Herbert a break from under-center snaps and the contact that might result from a quarterback sneak. Lance played 10 total snaps in place of Herbert against the Raiders, including two late kneel-downs to kill the clock.
Greg Roman, the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, said Thursday that adjustments had to be made after Herbert was injured in the game against the Raiders and were likely to be made again ahead of Monday’s game. Roman expressed amazement at Herbert’s effectiveness after he was hurt.
“He was able to come back and play the way he did, so just a huge tip of the cap to him and his toughness,” Roman said. “I mean, he was throwing some dimes in there last week when we had to change everything on the fly. A lot of what we practiced went out the window, so, really, hats off to Justin.”
INJURY REPORT
In addition to Herbert, running back Omarion Hampton (fractured left ankle), running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (elbow) were listed as questionable to play Monday. Tight end Tucker Fisk was ruled out because of an ankle injury.
Hampton was the Chargers’ leading rusher when he was injured during their loss to the Washington Commanders on Oct. 5. The rookie was listed as a full participant in practice the past two days and could be a backup to Kimani Vidal, who has rushed for 543 yards and three touchdowns in nine games, including seven starts.
“Another (player) right on track,” Harbaugh said of Hampton’s possible return to play.