Justin Herbert has appeared to injure his throwing hand during the second half of the Los Angeles Chargers matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.
ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath was able to provide a brief update on the Chargers quarterback, who did not miss any time with his hand bothering him.
“After LA’s last drive, Justin Herbert came to the sideline, immediately signaled to their medical staff to look at his right hand,” McGrath said. “They looked closely at his thumb and put a heating pad on that hand. I’m told he’s fine, but he keeps opening and closing his hand.
Herbert was sacked three times before McGrath’s report, who were trailing the Cardinals 7-6 at the time. Not only that, but the Chargers rushing attack was held to under 50 yards as the time as well with the majority of their offensive production coming through Herbert via the air. If his throwing hand is hurt, it may hinder the LA offense down the stretch in the final quarter.
This isn’t the first time the Chargers franchise quarterback has been banged up during the regular season. Last month, Herbert was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain but managed to play through the pain. He hasn’t missed a game for Los Angeles this season.
Justin Herbert is in his fifth season in the NFL after being drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has had an excellent start to his career, including being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2021.
Injury Updates From Chargers Loss to Cardinals
The Los Angeles Chargers lost against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in Week 7, 17-15.
Along the way, the Chargers were fortunate enough to suffer little in the way of notable injuries. Good thing, too, considering just how battered the wideout and cornerback depth charts were entering the game.
Here's a quick look at injury notes from right after the game went final.
Justin Herbert Hand Injury
Herbert appeared to hurt his thumb at some point during the proceedings and was seen on the sideline getting it iced. While he didn't come out of the game, it's something to monitor going into Week 8 on a short turnaround.
Morgan Fox Injury
The interior defender went down in the fourth quarter and needed help from trainers while leaving the field for the sidelines. He's been a key presence in the middle next to the breakout Poona Ford.
Khalil Mack Injury
Looking Ahead for the Chargers
The Chargers are now 4-3 on the season and will need to regroup quickly as they have a short week and will travel to face the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football in Week 8.
Herbert’s injury is the biggest concern for the Chargers, as he is the heart and soul of their offense. If he is unable to play, or if his injury limits his effectiveness, it will be a major blow to their chances of success. The Chargers have a tough schedule ahead, and they will need Herbert to be at his best if they want to make a run for the playoffs.
The Chargers will be hoping for good news on Herbert's injury. If he is able to play, they will be in good shape. However, if he is forced to miss time, they will need to find a way to win games without him.
What’s Next for the Chargers?
The Chargers face a pivotal stretch of their season in the next few weeks. With a short turnaround before facing the Broncos, the Chargers will need to figure out the status of Herbert and the other injured players. As they prepare for their Week 8 matchup, the Chargers will need to focus on getting healthy and getting ready for the next tough challenge.
With a depleted roster and an injury-prone quarterback, the Chargers will need to find a way to pull through if they want to make a run for the playoffs.
The Chargers will need to be creative in their game planning and hope that they can stay healthy. If they can do that, they will have a chance to make a run for the playoffs.
