Justin Herbert expected to miss Thursday night match against Raiders

Dec 11, 2023, 11:28 AM

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

BY JOSEPH JAROSZ

Former Editor

Justin Herbert fractured his right index finger Sunday in the Chargers’ 24-7 loss to the Denver Broncos.

The injury to his throwing hand put him in jeopardy to play Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Herbert is not expected to play, but the team has not yet ruled him out.

Thursday night’s QB matchup now shapes up like this: Chargers’ QB Easton Stick vs Raiders’ QB Aidan O'Connell. https://t.co/1H5cjxJeGm

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2023

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport followed up on that report, saying Herbert continues to see specialists and gather second opinions on Monday.

“Certainly there is the possibility we’ve seen the last of Justin Herbert this season,” Rapoport said.

Through 13 games, the fourth-year quarterback has passed for 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns. However, the Chargers sit at 5-8 in the AFC West, tied with the Raiders for the third spot in the division.

If Herbert is unable to play Thursday, Los Angeles will likely turn to Easton Stick to run the offense.

“Are they going to throw the whole playbook at him? No. What’d he do in the second half, what’d he do in the preseason, we’ll go back and look at all his film,” Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce said Monday. “[Chargers offensive coordinator] Kellen Moore’s going to stick to what they do well. Defensively, we’re dealing with a very good group of players on that side of the ball.”