Justin Herbert held his own against the Chiefs last week. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers to start Justin Herbert vs. Panthers

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/23/20

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that the Los Angeles Chargers will start rookie quarterback Justin Herbert against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday:

From NFL Now: The #Chargers are starting QB Justin Herbert vs the #Panthers, his second straight start and another chance for the rookie to impress. pic.twitter.com/j8yvaUwJ0w
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2020

The 22-year-old selected in the first round of this year's draft was a last-second replacement for Tyrod Taylor this past Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs after the veteran suffered what was first described as a chest injury. It has since been confirmed that a team doctor accidentally punctured Taylor's lung while issuing a pain-killing injection.

Taylor sustained a pair of broken ribs during a Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

With Taylor sidelined for an unknown amount of time, the job could be Herbert's to lose. Herbert performed admirably at home against the defending Super Bowl champions, as he completed 22 of 33 passes for 311 yards with one touchdown and a single interception.

Harrison Butker hit a 58-yard field goal in overtime to propel Kansas City to a 23-20 road win.

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