Chargers make difficult call on QB Justin Herbert

Although the Chargers (5-8) are still technically alive in the AFC playoff picture, they realistically have no shot, especially without Herbert under center. The ESPN Football Power Index gives head coach Brandon Staley's club just a 0.6% chance of making the postseason, which is better than only four teams in the conference.

Los Angeles has dropped four of its last five contests and after a winnable Week 15 battle with the Las Vegas Raiders (5-8) on "Thursday Night Football" coming up, the team faces a tough three-game stretch to close the campaign. The Chargers host the Buffalo Bills (7-6) in Week 16, take on the red-hot Denver Broncos (7-6) in Week 17 and close the regular season with a Week 18 home bout with the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5). Los Angeles fell to the Chiefs 31-17 in Week 7 on the road and were just blown out by the Broncos at home 24-7 on Sunday.

Kansas City is fighting to hold onto their spot atop the AFC West, while Buffalo and Denver are just on the outside looking in of the playoff picture, so all three teams should be playing with extra motivation.

With the Chargers all but out of it, there'd be no reason to push Herbert through the injury and risk further damage. Playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league in recent seasons, Herbert has already played through fractured rib cartilage and a broken left middle finger.

The organization has committed to the one-time Pro Bowler long-term, signing him to a five-year contract extension in July. Now, they're making the smart move in trying to make sure he's healthy and ready to go in 2024.