Justin Herbert Injury: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will undergo surgery Monday after fracturing a metacarpal bone in his left hand during Sunday’s 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The injury occurred on the opening drive when Herbert’s non-throwing hand struck the helmet of Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn while scrambling.
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Herbert briefly left the game, missed nine plays, then returned wearing a protective glove and threw two touchdown passes to seal the victory.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the fracture and surgery but refused to rule Herbert out for the Week 14 Monday Night Football showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Herbert told reporters he is “treating it like I’m playing” and doctors are optimistic the procedure will only stabilize the bone, not require lengthy recovery.
The 27-year-old previously played through a similar finger fracture on the same hand in 2023, adapting quickly without missing starts.
NFL Network reports the medical staff expects Herbert to practice later this week and be available for the primetime clash if pain and grip strength allow.
Backup Trey Lance stepped in briefly Sunday and completed his only pass, but the 8-4 Chargers remain heavily reliant on their franchise quarterback.
With the AFC wild-card lead on the line, Herbert’s rapid recovery timeline has become the biggest storyline heading into a pivotal December stretch.
