The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a massive blow to their offense on Sunday afternoon, as QB Justin Herbert was knocked out of the game with a finger injury. The Chargers went on to lose the game and suffered their eighth loss of the season.
Is Justin Herbert Out for the Rest of the Season?
The initial diagnosis for Herbert’s injury is a broken finger on his throwing hand. With the injury coming at this particular part of the season, and Herbert needing surgery to prepare his right index finger, the team has opted to shut the young quarterback down and end his season.
HC Brandon Staley advised they would protect Herbert and do what is best for him and his future. With that in mind, the Chargers believe this is the best option for him going forward.
A frustrating season for the Chargers’ offense has now gotten tougher, as they will need to navigate the last four games of the season without the services of their franchise signal-caller.
Easton Stick Is the Next Man Up
Herbert exited during the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos and was replaced by Easton Stick, who is expected to take over starting duties for Thursday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, as well.
While this is not an easy situation for the Chargers, this presents an opportunity for both Stick and the team. While Los Angeles knows that Herbert is the quarterback of their future, they may now be able to find out just what they have in Stick.
The Chargers’ backup has a chance to prove he belongs as the long-term option behind Herbert or potentially even a starting opportunity elsewhere in the NFL.
Stick has only appeared in two games in his career after entering the league in 2019 following a highly successful career at FCS powerhouse, North Dakota State. In his appearance on Sunday, he relieved Herbert and finished the game 13 of 24 with 179 passing yards and two fumbles.
MORE: Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
No matter what happens on Sunday and for the rest of the season, this is just another example of how far the Chargers’ season ended up being from where they anticipated.
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