Chargers QB Justin Herbert officially ruled out for the season
The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a massive blow with star quarterback Justin Herbert requiring season-ending surgery to repair a fractured index finger on his right hand.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter in Sunday’s 24-7 loss to the Denver Broncos while he attempted a pass, which saw defensive lineman Zach Allen pull Herbert to the ground before he threw the ball.
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He didn’t finish the game, putting backup Easton Stick to finish the contest. It marks the second time this season Herbert has dealt with a hand injury. He previously fractured the middle finger on his left hand but didn’t miss any time.
Herbert’s absence puts a significant damper on the Chargers’ playoff chances. Los Angeles sits at a 5-8 record two games in the loss column behind the seventh-seeded Indianapolis Colts.
The Chargers hold a difficult uphill battle to get into playoff contention. The team holds the tiebreaker over the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. Although teams such as the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills are all ahead in the standings at 7-6 records.
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Los Angeles will likely move forward with Stick as the starter. He struggled against the Broncos, completing 13-of-24 passes for 179 passing yards, and was sacked twice.
If the Chargers hope to make a playoff push, Stick will need to help the Chargers put up consistent offensive performances. Los Angeles has scored 10 or fewer points in three straight games.
The Chargers are set to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15 action.
