Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert Placed on Injured Reserve
In a significant blow to the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert has been placed on injured reserve due to a broken index finger. The injury, which occurred during a collision with Zach Allen of the Denver Broncos, will sideline Herbert for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Herbert underwent successful surgery and is currently in the recovery phase. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic about his long-term health and prospects. "He is tough as they come, but we're going to make sure that, whatever it is, we're going to do what is best for Justin, long term," Coach Staley remarked on Monday, emphasizing the franchise's commitment to Herbert's future.
"He's 25 years old, and he's got a really, really bright future ahead of him. So, like I said, every decision we make will be in that mind," Staley added, further highlighting the organization's careful approach to managing their star player's rehabilitation.
The Impact on the Chargers' Season
The absence of Herbert, who had started 62 consecutive regular-season games prior to this injury, deals a severe blow to a Chargers team already struggling to find its footing this season. With a record of 5-8, the team's hopes of a turnaround are now even more daunting.
Herbert's resilience has been notable in the past; he has played through a broken finger on his non-throwing hand and fractured rib cartilage. However, this latest injury proves too much to play through, forcing the Chargers to look to backup Easton Stick to lead the offense.
Stick, who replaced Herbert during the game against the Broncos, will start in the upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. He expressed a mix of readiness and reverence for the opportunity, stating, "Obviously, this isn't how I envisioned it. When they selected me five years ago, this is what you want as a kid — an opportunity to go play. I'm excited for that."
Max Duggan is set to back up Stick following Herbert's move to injured reserve, stepping into a more prominent role within the team's quarterback hierarchy.
Offensive Adjustments and Team Outlook
The Chargers' offense, which ranks 17th in total offense, will need to adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness without their starting quarterback. The midseason addition of Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator was intended to bolster the squad's performance, and now his expertise will be tested under these challenging circumstances.
Adding to the team's woes, wide receiver Joshua Palmer is also out for the season with a knee injury, further limiting the offensive options available. The Chargers must now rely on other talents to fill the void left by these key players as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Before his injury, Herbert managed a nine-for-17 completion rate for 96 yards and one interception in the game where his season came to an abrupt end. His durability and skill have been a cornerstone for the Chargers, and his presence under center will be sorely missed as the team attempts to salvage what remains of their 2023 campaign.
The Chargers community and fans alike are hopeful for a swift and complete recovery for Herbert, whose gritty performances have endeared him to many. As the team rallies behind Stick, the coming weeks will be telling in terms of the Chargers' depth and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on the Chargers to see how they adjust to this significant challenge. With the leadership of Coach Staley and the strategic mind of Kellen Moore, the team aims to close out the season with determination and a focus on building towards the future.
For now, the Chargers turn the page on this chapter, looking forward to Herbert's return to the field in 2024, and hoping to uncover new strengths as they redefine their identity in the wake of his injury.