Justin Herbert suffered a left hand injury during Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The LA Chargers quarterback was initially ruled as questionable to return but ultimately returned to pilot the Chargers to a comfortable 31-14 win.
As concerning as the injury was at first, Herbert's ability to come back into the game and lead the Chargers to victory quelled most fans' concerns. However, Jim Harbaugh's comments after the game did the opposite.
Harbaugh told reporters after the game that Herbert broke his left hand, not the broken finger that fans speculated during the game. The Chargers head coach said Herbert is going to undergo a medical procedure on Monday morning.
Harbaugh said he wasn't sure if Herbert would miss any time.
Update: Justin Herbert told reporters after the game he is treating the injury as if he is playing next Monday.
Justin Herbert suffers broken hand in Chargers-Raiders
This is not the diagnosis that Chargers fans were hoping for. The medical procedure only complicates things, as Herbert has to recover from that procedure in addition to the injury itself.
Herbert and the Chargers' offense made it work on Sunday in what had to be a modified version of the original game plan. Herbert didn't take a single snap under center after suffering the injury, and noticeably carried the ball away from his left hand whenever escaping the pocket.
His throwing mechanics seemed to initially be impacted as well. Several of Herbert's initial throws were wobbly. However, Herbert figured it out and that problem didn't resurface in the second half.
The Chargers have an extra day of rest this week as the team hosts the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. While anything can happen in the NFL, especially this season, it's hard to imagine the Chargers having any chance at beating the defending Super Bowl champions with Trey Lance under center.
As upsetting as that may be, the Chargers also have to play the long game here. The playoffs are still in reach, with or without a win against the Eagles. If playing it cautiously means Herbert can return to full strength for a playoff run then the Bolts have to take their medicine and hope for a miracle with Lance under center.
Either way, this is a frustrating development in what has been a rollercoaster season for the Chargers. The Super Bowl is as wide open as its ever been and if the Chargers had any bit of injury luck they would be right in the conversation as a legitimate contender.
But yet again, a great Chargers moment has to be overshadowed by a scary injury. This time, to the team's entire heart and soul.