Herbert's Season Ends on Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Chargers have placed quarterback Justin Herbert on injured reserve due to a broken index finger, an unfortunate turn of events that will see him miss the remainder of the 2023 season. The injury occurred during a collision with Zach Allen of the Denver Broncos, forcing Herbert out of the game.
Despite the successful surgery and current recovery process, the Chargers have confirmed that Herbert will not return to the field this year. This development is a significant blow to the team, as Herbert had been a model of durability, starting 62 consecutive regular-season games prior to this incident.
Stick Steps Up as Herbert's Replacement
In the wake of Herbert's injury, backup quarterback Easton Stick took over mid-game and has been named the starter for the upcoming contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. Max Duggan is set to back up Stick for the duration of Herbert's absence. Stick, who was drafted by the Chargers five years ago, expressed a mix of concern for his teammate and readiness to seize the opportunity. "Obviously, this isn't how I envisioned it," said Stick. "When they selected me five years ago, this is what you want as a kid — an opportunity to go play. I'm excited for that."
Herbert's History of Resilience
Known for his toughness, Herbert has previously played through injuries, including a broken finger on his non-throwing hand and fractured rib cartilage. His resilience is well-documented, but the Chargers' head coach Brandon Staley emphasized the importance of Herbert's long-term health in the decision-making process. "He is tough as they come, but we're going to make sure that, whatever it is, we're going to do what is best for Justin, long term," Staley said. He added, "He's 25 years old, and he's got a really, really bright future ahead of him. So, like I said, every decision we make will be in that mind."
Chargers' Offensive Struggles
The Chargers have been struggling to find their rhythm this season, currently holding a 5-8 record. Their offense ranks 17th in the league, which is a step back from what was expected, especially after bringing in Kellen Moore as the offensive coordinator in the offseason. With Herbert's injury and Joshua Palmer also out for the season with a knee injury, the Chargers are facing even more challenges on the offensive front.
Before exiting the game against the Broncos, Herbert completed nine out of 17 passes for 96 yards and threw one interception. These numbers were far from his usual production levels, indicating the impact his injury may have had on his performance.
Looking Ahead
As the Chargers adapt to their new reality without Herbert, all eyes will be on Stick to see if he can galvanize the team and improve their standing. The Chargers' fans and management alike are hopeful that Herbert's recovery will be swift and complete, allowing him to return next season at full strength and continue to build on his promising career.
For now, the Chargers must navigate the remaining fixtures of the season with determination and an eye towards the future. With the team rallying around Stick, the final games will be crucial for evaluating the depth of their roster and the potential adjustments needed in the offseason. As Coach Staley remarked, protecting Herbert's future remains a top priority, and the decisions made today will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the franchise in the years to come.