Chargers QB Justin Herbert to undergo surgery on left hand

It’s been a rough go for the Chargers offense this year. Injuries have taken their toll on a group that has seen both starting tackles and three running backs land on injured reserve. With so many pieces missing already, losing Herbert for even a week or two could be very hard for this team to weather. They’re currently a game behind the Broncos for the division lead, and it could be two, depending on the outcome of tonight’s game. They’re in a wild-card spot at the moment, but there are multiple teams lapping at their heels in the standing.

With that in mind, it makes sense that Herbert will try not to miss any time because of the surgery. When asked if he would need to, Herbert told reporters that doctors are “pretty hopeful” he won’t need to. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Herbert wore a hard cast on his left hand underneath his glove Sunday, so it stands to reason that that may be a postop option, as well.

“It’s one of those things where you just stabilize it,” Herbert told reporters. “I’m not the doctor, but yeah, they were hopeful, so I think that’s a good thing.”

Rhim’s fellow ESPN staffer Adam Schefter added on that Herbert is approaching this game under the impression that he will be playing in it. The Chargers next contest will be a Monday night road trip to Philadelphia. If Herbert is forced to miss any time, backup quarterback Trey Lance would likely get the start. Lance has four games of starting experience from his time in San Francisco, plus a start for the Cowboys last year, but he hasn’t thrown a touchdown since his rookie campaign in 2021.

Popper pointed to a moment earlier in Herbert’s career, two years ago, in which Herbert broke a finger in his left hand early in the season. He didn’t miss any games because of the injury. Herbert drew on that experience to underline his confidence in being able to play for "Monday Night Football" next week, telling reporters, “In terms of experience, I’ve gone through similar things, so I think it will be helpful.”