Justin Herbert will undergo surgery Monday after breaking his left hand during the Chargers’ 31-14 win over the Raiders Sunday.
Despite the injury, Herbert expects to suit up for LA’s next game against Philadelphia on Dec. 8 when the Chargers appear on “Monday Night Football.”
“It’s one of those things where you just stabilized it, and I’m not the doctor, unfortunately, but they were hopeful,” Herbert said. “So, I think that’s a good thing.”
The injury happened in the first quarter on a scramble when Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn’s helmet smashed directly into Herbert’s left hand. Herbert stayed in the game – clearly favoring his hand – and immediately threw a touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston on the very next play.
He then headed to the locker room with the medical staff, missing nine plays while trainers fitted him with a hard cast and glove on the injured hand.
Holding onto the football proved to be the biggest challenge.
“I think it’s just something that we will monitor as the week goes on,” Herbert explained.
The injury forced the Chargers to abandon under-center snaps for the remainder of the game. Herbert mentioned backup QB Trey Lance was ready to handle any under-center snaps if needed in goal-line situations.
This isn’t Herbert’s first rodeo with a left hand injury. Two years ago, he fractured the middle finger on that same hand (also against the Raiders). The team primarily operated from shotgun formations to manage that previous injury.
“I think in terms of experience, I’ve gone through similar things, and so I think it’ll be helpful,” he said. “But at the end of the day, just got to go out there and make sure that everything is good, you’re comfortable.”
The game featured some fourth-quarter fireworks when Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby shoved Herbert during a celebration following a third-down conversion. Officials flagged Crosby for unsportsmanlike conduct, which prompted another celebration from Herbert. Players from both teams started shoving each other, and Chargers receivers coach Sanjay Lal got into a heated exchange with Crosby.
“It’s an emotional game, and I’ve got nothing but respect for him as a player and as a teammate,” Herbert said, “but at the end of the day I could have kept my cool a little bit better, too.”
Herbert finished the day completing 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Chargers. Herbert’s injury comes as LA enters the most difficult stretch of their schedule while fighting for a playoff spot. Four of their final five opponents (Eagles, Cowboys, Texans, Chiefs and Broncos) were in the postseason last year, and all are currently battling for playoff positioning.