The Chargers walked away with a convincing 31-14 win over the Raiders on Sunday, but the celebration was tempered by some concerning news: Justin Herbert fractured his left hand and is slated for surgery on Monday. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the injury after the game, and while the team hasn’t ruled Herbert out going forward, his availability is very much in question.
Herbert’s injury occurred early in the game, reportedly on the Chargers’ opening drive. He headed to the locker room to get checked out, but in typical Herbert fashion, he returned to finish the game.
Gritty? Absolutely.
But now, with surgery looming, the focus shifts to what this means for the Chargers' playoff push - and how they’ll manage if their franchise quarterback is sidelined, even temporarily.
Herbert finished the game going 15-of-20 for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. It wasn’t a gaudy stat line, but it was efficient and effective - exactly what the Chargers needed to stay in control against a Raiders team that couldn’t keep up. The bigger concern now is how the injury to Herbert’s non-throwing hand might impact his ability to handle the ball, especially under center, where grip and ball security are critical even without throwing.
If Herbert can’t go in Week 14, the Chargers will likely turn to Trey Lance. The former No. 3 overall pick, who signed a one-year, $2 million deal with L.A. this offseason, has seen limited action this year - just two games, completing six of 12 passes.
But this could be the opportunity for Lance to showcase the talent that once made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the league. The question is whether he's ready to lead a team that’s right in the thick of the AFC playoff race.
The win moved the Chargers to 8-4, keeping them firmly in the postseason picture as the current No. 5 seed in the AFC. More importantly, it sent a clear message to the Denver Broncos and the rest of the division: the Chargers aren’t going anywhere. With the AFC West still up for grabs, every game down the stretch matters - and next week’s matchup against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles at SoFi Stadium looms large.
For now, all eyes are on Herbert’s recovery. The Chargers have the talent to compete, but their postseason hopes hinge on the health of their quarterback. If he’s out, it’s next man up - and Trey Lance could be stepping into the spotlight.