Chargers Receive Concerning News on Justin Herbert Hand Injury

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s status has taken a troubling turn after initially returning to Sunday’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Less than an hour after the game, Adam Schefter gave an update: 

He reported that Herbert fractured his left hand and will undergo surgery on Monday, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The team is “uncertain if Herbert will miss any time,” Harbaugh told reporters. 

But it is a far more serious outlook than the early in-game update suggested.

“We’ll know more after the procedure,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a tough guy, but we’re going to do what’s best for him.”

The news comes after Herbert briefly exited Sunday’s matchup. 

He returned and finish the game with a padded glove on his non-throwing hand.

How Herbert Injured His Hand & Returned to Finish the Game

Herbert opened Sunday’s game strong, leading the Chargers on a 74-yard touchdown drive capped by a TD strike to Quentin Johnston.

Nothing on the drive indicated an issue, but Herbert was seen jogging to the locker room with trainers minutes later.

The Chargers announced he was questionable to return with a left-hand injury. 

Trey Lance then took over on the next possession. 

Herbert later returned to the sideline wearing a padded glove, testing his grip and ability to handle the football.

After a brief warm-up, he re-entered the game mid-drive, suggesting at the time that the injury was manageable.

Yahoo Sports reported that the exact nature of the injury was unclear during the game, as cameras never captured a specific moment when Herbert’s hand was struck or twisted.

Postgame, Harbaugh confirmed Herbert played through significant discomfort.

“He fought through it,” Harbaugh said. “He wanted to finish, and he finished.”

Chargers’ Outlook if Herbert Misses Time

If Herbert is forced to sit, Trey Lance would become the starter next week when the Chargers face the Philadelphia Eagles. 

It would mark Lance’s first start since his time in San Francisco, a scenario the Chargers hoped to avoid but may now have to prepare for.

Lance’s brief action against the Raiders was limited, but the team has consistently praised his progress behind the scenes.

Harbaugh, who coached against Lance during his college days, has spoken highly of him. 

“Trey’s been working, learning, improving every week,” Harbaugh said earlier this season.

“He’s ready if needed.”

Still, losing Herbert, even temporarily, would be a major blow for a Chargers team fighting to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race. 

The Chargers will await results and Herbert’s surgical evaluation before making any official decision.  

For now, the team could be preparing for the possibility that Lance may lead them into a crucial showdown with Philadelphia next Monday night. 

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