According to ESPNâs Adam Schefter, Justin Herbert will not play in Sundayâs regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos.Â
Jim Harbaugh confirmed this on Monday as he plans to rest his superstar quarterback and get ready for the playoffs.Â
With the AFC West no longer in reach after Saturdayâs loss, Los Angeles is prioritizing health over seeding.Â
This move is widely viewed as a signal that more starters are likely to sit as the Chargers turn the page to the postseason.Â
Harbaugh told reporters the decision was straightforward given the circumstances.Â
Quarterback Justin Herbert continues to recover from left hand surgery to repair a broken bone.Â
Harbaugh made it clear that the risk of exposing him in a game that no longer carries division stakes outweighed any marginal seeding benefit.Â
Herbert absorbed five sacks in the loss and has taken a beating all season, making the conservative call an easy one as playoff football looms.Â
Trey Lance will get the start.Â
Division Hopes Gone After Texans Loss
The Chargersâ Week 17 loss to the Houston Texans officially eliminated them from AFC West contention.
This loss allowed the Broncos to clinch the division.
While seeding is technically still in play for LA, Harbaugh made it clear that getting healthy is more important jockeying for position.
That context explains why Herbert wonât dress on Sunday and why other key players could follow suit.
The coaching staff is focused on entering Wild Card Weekend with a full complement of players and a fully healthy Justin Herbert.Â
âHealth over seeding,â Harbaugh said on Monday.Â
AFC Playoff Picture SwingsÂ
Herbertâs absence changes things in the Week 18 AFC playoff race.Â
With Denver still chasing the conferenceâs top seed, the Broncos will be heavy favorites at home and a win would give them the No. 1 seed.Â
If the Buffalo Bills also take care of business against the Jets, the Chargers could slide to the No. 7 seed.Â
That would mean a potential Wild Card round trip to Foxborough for a matchup against the New England Patriots.Â
Many believe this is the game that the Chargers may want to play, rather than going back to Jacksonville again.Â
Just seven weeks ago, LA went into Jacksonville and lost 35-6 which was their worst loss of the season.Â
Harbaughâs decision to rest Herbert may also be a strategic decision to not have to face that Jaguars again.Â
Itâs a classic pick-your-poison scenario in a wide-open AFC, but ensuring Herbert is as close to full strength as possible clearly outweighs everything.Â
A fully healthy superstar quarterback gives them their best chance against anyone in January, regardless of where or who they play.Â
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