The Chargers are heading into a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Eagles, and suddenly, the spotlight isn’t just on Justin Herbert-it’s on Trey Lance, too.
Herbert suffered a fractured hand in Sunday’s 31-14 win over the Raiders, briefly exiting the game before returning to finish it out. While his toughness isn’t in question-he even underwent surgery on Monday and still says he’s preparing to play-there’s a very real chance the Chargers will need to lean on Lance, especially in short-yardage or red zone situations.
Let’s break this down.
Herbert’s injury is to his left (non-throwing) hand, but it’s still a significant concern. He didn’t take any snaps under center after sustaining the break, and that’s telling. Under-center snaps are a staple in goal-line and short-yardage packages, and if Herbert can’t handle that exchange cleanly, it opens the door for Lance to step in.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh isn’t wasting time. He told reporters that Lance will get first-team reps this week in goal-line scenarios.
That’s not just a precaution-that’s preparation. It’s a clear signal that the coaching staff is building contingency plans in case Herbert can’t go full throttle or needs to be protected in high-contact situations.
And here’s where Lance becomes more than just a placeholder.
Even in limited action Sunday, Lance showed what he brings to the table. He completed a short pass, picked up a few yards on the ground, and handled the closing kneel-downs. Nothing flashy, but enough to remind us what he offers: mobility, physicality, and a different kind of threat near the goal line.
Lance’s legs are his weapon. And in a game where every possession matters-and against a physical, opportunistic Eagles defense-it might make more sense to roll with a specialized package for Lance inside the five-yard line. Why risk Herbert taking unnecessary hits when you have a quarterback who’s built to run through contact?
That doesn’t mean Lance is about to take over the offense. Herbert is still the guy.
He’s preparing like he’s going to play Monday night, and if he’s cleared, he’ll be under center-or more likely, in shotgun-for most of the game. But there’s a growing sense that Lance could play a meaningful role, even if it’s just a handful of snaps.
And those snaps could matter.
Whether it’s a QB draw, a read-option, or just the threat of movement that forces the defense to hesitate, Lance gives the Chargers a wrinkle they haven’t really shown this season. And if you’re going up against a team like Philadelphia, you need every edge you can get.
The Chargers will monitor Herbert’s progress throughout the week, and we’ll learn more as game day approaches. But don’t be surprised if Trey Lance becomes a key figure in the Chargers’ red zone plans-especially if the game gets tight and the field gets short.