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Kris Rhim
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — During the Los Angeles Chargers’ 31-14 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, signal-caller Justin Herbert sustained a fracture in his left hand, necessitating a surgical intervention.
The medical procedure is slated for Monday, and Herbert voiced his anticipation of participating in the Chargers’ upcoming contest on December 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles on “Monday Night Football.”
“It’s just a situation where they stabilized it, and while I’m not a medical professional, they expressed optimism,” Herbert conveyed. “I perceive that as a favorable indication.”
Herbert incurred the injury during the opening quarter when Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn made contact with him during a scramble; Chinn’s helmet seemed to directly impact Herbert’s left hand. Herbert remained in the game, visibly favoring the hand, and executed a touchdown pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston on the subsequent play.
Subsequently, he retreated to the locker room with trainers and was absent for nine plays while a protective cast and glove were applied to his left hand. Herbert mentioned that the most challenging aspect of continuing to play was maintaining a secure grip on the football. Consequently, the Chargers refrained from executing any snaps from under center for the remainder of the game. Herbert noted that backup quarterback Trey Lance was prepared to take snaps under center in any goal-line circumstances.
“I believe it’s something that we will continuously assess as the week progresses,” Herbert stated.
In a game against the Raiders two seasons prior, Herbert fractured the middle finger on his left hand. The Chargers predominantly operated from the shotgun formation to accommodate that injury.
“I think having experienced similar situations before will be advantageous,” he expressed. “Ultimately, I need to ensure that I’m comfortable and that everything feels right before returning to the field.”
With four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Raiders outside linebacker Maxx Crosby made contact with Herbert as he celebrated following a third-down conversion. Officials penalized Crosby for unsportsmanlike conduct, prompting another celebratory display from Herbert. A brief altercation ensued between players, and a verbal exchange occurred between Chargers wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal and Crosby.
“It’s an intensely emotional game, and I hold the utmost respect for him as both a player and a teammate,” Herbert acknowledged, “but ultimately, I could have maintained my composure to a greater extent as well.”
Herbert concluded the game with 15 completions out of 20 attempts, amassing 151 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception.
As the Chargers aim to secure a postseason berth for the second consecutive year, Herbert’s injury transpires at a particularly crucial juncture of the season. Four of the Chargers’ concluding five opponents participated in the playoffs last season, and all of them — Philadelphia, the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos — are vying for playoff spots and improved seeding.
