Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday as he had to undergo surgery to fix his broken index finger. Herbert will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Coach Brandon Staley has provided an update on Herbert's condition, saying that the surgery went well, and the quarterback is now on the road to recovery. He emphasized the team's commitment to ensuring Herbert's long-term well-being.
"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," Staley said Monday.
"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."
The injury happened in the second quarter of the Chargers' 24-7 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Herbert was hit by Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen after completing a pass to tight end Donald Parham. This resulted in Herbert hitting the ground and fracturing his finger.
There was a glimmer of hope for Herbert's return to the game after his injury. However, as the game progressed and the severity of Herbert's fractured right finger became more apparent, he was ruled out. Herbert had a nine-for-17 completion rate, 96 yards and one interception.
Following the incident, Herbert sought consultation from two hand specialists on Monday to assess the severity of the injury.
Backup quarterback Easton Stick stepped in after the Chargers trailing 7-0. But despite his effort, Stick couldn't turn the game around as the Chargers fell to the Broncos. Stick, in his fifth year, recorded 179 yards, completing 13 of 24 pass attempts.
The upcoming Thursday night game against the Las Vegas Raiders will see Stick taking on his first NFL start.
"Obviously, this isn't how I envisioned it," said Stick. "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."
As Herbert heads to injured reserve, Max Duggan, a seventh-round draft pick from April, will be elevated from the practice squad to serve as Stick's backup.
Chargers' struggling season
Herbert was selected sixth overall in the 2020 draft with a run of 62 consecutive regular-season starts. His resilience on the field included overcoming challenges such as a broken finger on his non-throwing hand earlier this season and fractured rib cartilage in the previous season.
His recent injury setback is a big blow to the Chargers, who are already facing a tough season. With their star quarterback on injured reserve, they now have to navigate the rest of the season without one of their key players.
Herbert is the seventh starting quarterback this season to be sidelined due to injury unless the Jets' Aaron Rodgers returns from his Achilles tendon tear. Other crucial offensive members who will not return to the field for the rest of the season include wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who suffered a knee injury and has been absent for the past six games.
Despite bringing in Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator in the offseason, the anticipated improvement hasn't quite happened. The Chargers are going through a tough offensive stretch, managing only three touchdowns in the past 14 quarters.
Currently, the Chargers hold a 5-8 record, losing four of their past five games. They rank 17th in total offense, on track for their lowest ranking since 2014.