Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered an apparent injury in the club’s Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s the latest from Sunday’s game.
What Happened to Justin Herbert?
Herbert took a hard shot after connecting on a 28-yard pass with wide receiver Quentin Johnston with roughly four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
The play came back when offensive tackle Joe Alt was flagged for holding, while Herbert stayed down on the field after taking a hit to his left leg.
Herbert received on-field medical attention from the Chargers’ training staff before slowly waking to the sideline. He never entered the blue medical tent.
Here’s the replay of the hit #Chargers QB Justin Herbert took from #Chiefs LB Nick Bolton.@BovadaOfficial pic.twitter.com/IEGVX7roTB
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 9, 2024
Herbert soon joined the Chargers’ other quarterbacks on the bench. He was later spotted standing on the sideline with his helmet, a sure sign that he avoided a significant injury.
Los Angeles backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke took over for a 3rd-and-20 snap after Herbert went down. Heinicke scrambled for a 12-yard gain, and the Chargers punted on fourth down.
Herbert was banged up earlier in the first half, when he appeared to injure his ankle on a scramble. NBC’s broadcast reported that the 26-year-old had a brief conversation with L.A.’s training staff but did not go into the medical tent.
Herbert completed seven of 14 passes for just 73 scoreless yards before going down. He’d taken one sack while rushing for nine yards on two attempts.
The former Pro Bowler played through a high ankle sprain earlier this year but never missed a start. Herbert aggravated the issue against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 and left that game in a walking boot but suited up for Week 4.
Did Herbert Return in Week 14?
Herbert returned to the field for the Chargers’ next offensive drive. Los Angeles was down 13-0 with 42 seconds remaining in the second half when Herbert re-entered the game.
Fortunately, Herbert appears to have avoided a significant injury.
Fantasy Implications of Herbert’s Injury
The Chargers entered this game already down wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Now, it’s possible they may be without Herbert as well.
Los Angeles was already thin on fantasy options with J.K. Dobbins done for the regular season. Without McConkey and Herbert, they might not have a single fantasy-relevant player.
If Herbert has to step out, Heinicke will be Los Angeles’ replacement. He tried and failed to sustain the fantasy values of Drake London and Kyle Pitts last season with the Atlanta Falcons. There would be little hope that one of Joshua Palmer or Johnston would suddenly emerge as a viable fantasy option.
— PFN Analyst Jason Katz