The Chargers enter Week 14 hopeful their franchise quarterback will be under center when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.Â
As NBC Sports noted, Offensive coordinator Greg Roman set an optimistic tone on Thursday.Â
He said that the team believes Justin Herbert will be available despite undergoing surgery earlier in the week to repair a fracture in his left hand.
âFor this game in particular, weâre really optimistic Justin is going to play,â Roman said, via The Athletic.
Herbert briefly exited Sundayâs win over the Raiders but returned after missing just 10 snaps.Â
With the Chargers fighting to stay alive in the AFC playoff race, Herbertâs availability remains the major storyline going into a primetime showdown.Â
If Herbert cannot go, Trey Lance would make his first start for Los Angeles, but all signs point to Herbert playing.Â
Herbert Preparing to Play Despite SurgeryÂ
Herbert has repeatedly emphasized that the plan is to prepare as if he will play.Â
He spoke Wednesday wearing a cast on his surgically repaired left hand but made it clear he intends to push through the pain.Â
âThe plan is to prepare as if Iâm going to play and see how the next couple of days goes,â Herbert said. âDo everything I can to be out there for the team and the guys out there.â
Herbert revealed doctors inserted a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture.Â
He kept the hand tucked in his sweatshirt pocket during walkthroughs and has yet to grip a football, something he hopes to attempt later in the week.
âReducing swelling⦠itâs been the most important thing the past couple of days,â he said.Â
Herbert also acknowledged he may need to wear a hard cast again if he suits up on Monday.Â
The quarterback has a history of playing through pain as heâs played through a rib cartilage fracture, high ankle sprain, and a previous finger injury before.
He said he can perform without full practice reps if necessary.Â
Coach Jim Harbaugh echoed Romanâs optimism but noted the team is preparing Lance as well.
Herbertâs grip strength and ability to handle snaps will determine how much he can realistically do.Â
If he plays, the Chargers may again rely heavily on shotgun formations, with Lance possibly handling under-center or short-yardage situations.Â
How Herbertâs Injury Could Affect His PlayÂ
Although Herbertâs injury is to his non-throwing hand, the implications are significant
According to former NFL quarterbacks interviewed by the Los Angeles Times, the biggest challenges arenât the throws.Â
Rather, itâs the mechanics, the pain tolerance, and taking snaps that will cause the biggest issues.Â
âYou canât hurt it any worse.â That doesnât mean you wonât be in excruciating pain,â Matt Hasselbeck said.
The fracture makes taking snaps under center risky and handing off to his right particularly uncomfortable.
Rich Gannon, who once played with a similar injury, noted, âWith handing off, you canât be fooling around and changing it on the fly. You have to practice it during the week.âÂ
Thereâs also an increased danger on contact.Â
Quarterbacks typically brace themselves with their off-hand when falling which is something Herbert wonât be able to do.
âWhen you fall you basically have to bellyflop,â Hasselbeck said, recalling injuries he suffered because he couldnât protect himself.
Defenses will test that vulnerability. âHeâs only got one hand⦠letâs see if we can get that ball out,â Gannon said.Â
Still, the consensus among retired quarterbacks is that Herbert can manage the pain and play effectively if the Chargers are able to tailor the offense to make it easier on him.Â
As Archie Manning put it, âI bet Justin is going to be OK⦠itâs not going to affect his passing.âÂ
Saturdayâs injury update will tell a lot more but as of now Herbert is expected to play.Â
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