Chargers QB Justin Herbert Shares Hand Injury Update Ahead of Week 5 Commanders Clash

Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?

Los Angeles entered Sunday’s matchup already thin up front, with Rashawn Slater lost for the season and rookie Joe Alt exiting early due to an ankle injury. Mekhi Becton was also sidelined, leaving Herbert to operate behind a patchwork group of Austin Deculus, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Jamaree Salyer, and Trey Pipkins III. The results were predictable. Herbert was hit 12 times, sacked twice, and intercepted twice in the 21-18 defeat to rookie Jaxson Dart and the Giants.

“It’s unfortunate what the offensive line has become,” one analyst observed, noting that Herbert has been pressured on over half of his dropbacks the last two weeks. That constant stress contributed to two costly interceptions, both of which set up New York scores inside the 10-yard line.

MVP Race Impacted, But Hope Remains

Herbert’s difficult afternoon not only cost the Chargers their first loss of the season (now 3-1) but also knocked him from the top of Sports Illustrated’s MVP rankings. He dropped to No. 2 behind Josh Allen, though his stellar start to the year kept him ahead of Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, and Dak Prescott.

As the Chargers regroup, Herbert’s clean bill of health is at least one bright spot. But until reinforcements return up front, the star quarterback may continue to carry the weight of an offense struggling to protect him.