Justin Herbert facing familiar problems after latest Chargers injuries

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Justin Herbert facing familiar problems after latest Chargers injuries

By Paul White | Last updated Aug 18, 2026 4:00 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert — one of the more mild-mannered players in the NFL — has somehow become one of the most polarizing figures in the league. He’s heralded by fans and media pundits alike who rave about his talent and potential, but his biggest critics see his playoff struggles as a glaring weakness.

Herbert has never won a playoff game in his three cracks at it. He was part of a blown 27-point lead in his first attempt, threw four interceptions in the second contest and was just flat-out lifeless in a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots during their run through the AFC.

In Herbert’s defense, his offensive line has been a train wreck for most of his career, with the last few years being the worst. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year has been one of the top-10 most sacked quarterbacks in three of the last four seasons, with last year being the worst.

Herbert was sacked 54 times in 2025 — good for third in the entire league — while star offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater missed most of the season. It looked like those guys would be healthy to start the year, but the latter has been out of practice for more than a week now.

Offensive line injuries reopening old wounds for Justin Herbert

Now, the offensive line is going to get even more chaotic, after Kris Rhim of ESPN reported that center Tyler Biadasz got injured during Tuesday’s practice.

Medical cart is out for Chargers center Tyler Biadasz, who went down after 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez fell on his left knee during 11v11.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 18, 2026

There are no updates on the extent of the injury, but it may have been a bad one since the cart came out. Los Angeles just signed him this offseason to shore up the middle of the offensive line for Herbert, and now the unit’s cohesion is at a minimum.

Regardless of whether or not Biadasz or Slater returns soon, it is extremely concerning that there’s so much chaos on the offensive line with a few more weeks until the regular season begins. If those injuries weren’t bad enough, wide receiver Quentin Johnston hurt himself during the practice session too, according to Rhim.

Quentin a Johnston just came up limping after an attempting to make a leaping catch on the sideline. Trainers working on with him now, appears to be a lower body injury
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 18, 2026

The injuries are starting to pile up for the Chargers already, and it may force Herbert to put the cape back on and carry everything.

Los Angeles has one of the most talented rosters in the league if it can stay healthy, but it hasn't done it yet. This could be another long, grueling season for its star quarterback if the injury situation keeps trending this way.

Paul White

Paul White is a contract writer from Philadelphia who attended Penn State University. He has contributed hundreds of stories about the NFL and NBA over the years and now brings that experience over to Yardbarker. He is a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan looking to bring the same passion from his city to sports media.

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