Justin Herbert injury update: Will the LA Chargers QB play in Week 3?

The Los Angeles Chargers had a horrible day on Thursday as they lost to their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, 27-24, despite holding a 10-point lead in the second half.

But things got worse as star quarterback Justin Herbert appeared to be in excruciating pain for the remainder of the game after suffering rib injuries late in the fourth quarter.

Throwing a crucial interception close to the Chiefs’ end zone that was returned for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter added insult to injury.

The focus immediately changed from the loss and Herbert’s error to the future of his health.

 

He was given a rib cartilage fracture diagnosis the following day, and his condition is now considered day-to-day.

It might have been much worse, but Los Angeles will get an extra three days to rest Herbert and attempt to get him healthy for Week 3 because the game was played on a Thursday.

Herbert played superbly for the first three quarters as usual. He completed 33 of 48 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns to conclude the game. Herbert appeared to be quite skilled at getting throws to his receivers in a small window and placing the ball precisely where it might be caught.

He had a lot of problems moving after becoming hurt, yet he was still able to contribute greatly to his team’s final possession.

He completed a touchdown throw to Joshua Palmer in a fourth-and-seven situation with Los Angeles trailing 27-17 to keep the team in the game. With only 1:11 left, though, the onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, giving Kansas City the victory.

By doing so, it demonstrated that the Chargers had grounds for optimism despite the fact that the Chargers are still the division’s best club. For starters, Herbert didn’t actually have a horrible game; aside from the disastrous pick-six, he actually had a very excellent day overall.

The Chargers would have had a solid chance of winning without that pick-six, and the conversation surrounding him and his team would be drastically different now. L.A. wasn’t exactly operating at full capacity, either.

Without their No. 1 WR, the Chargers fought valiantly

The leading wide receiver for the Chargers, Keenan Allen, was sidelined on Thursday due to an injury he sustained in their Week 1 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen has qualified for the Pro Bowl each of the previous five seasons, thus his absence hurt the team. Although it does not negate the loss, it is something to bear in mind going ahead.

While Allen was out, tight end Gerald Everett grabbed six passes for 71 yards while Mike Williams, who was under the radar in Week 1, had 113 yards and eight catches. Since they will be hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars the following week, the Chargers’ schedule will ease off for a bit.

 

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