LA Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert fractured his left hand in Week 13's win over the Las Vegas Raiders and went under the knife the next day. One week later, Herbert and the Chargers face their biggest test of the season against the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Herbert's status for the Monday Night Football clash has been the main storyline surrounding the game. After all, there is a massive difference between Herbert and Trey Lance, who would get the start if Herbert cannot play.
Herbert was officially given a questionable tag on Saturday's injury report, leaving many to wonder whether or not he will actually play. While the Chargers haven't definitively said either way, one can read the tea leaves to come to a strong conclusion.
All signs point to Justin Herbert playing vs. Eagles
Herbert practiced on Thursday, three days after undergoing a procedure on his left hand, and has been a limited participant every practice since. Coupling that with the fact he came back into the game last week against the Raiders, it seems safe to say the Chargers quarterback will give it a go.
The follow-up question is what version of Herbert shows up on Monday and how it may limit the Chargers' play-calling. Herbert had to take every snap in the shotgun after suffering the injury last week. This limits the play-calling, especially in short-yardage situations.
Herbert has continued fielding shotgun snaps with no problem in practice, but he has been handed the ball by coaches in drills under center. While this may seem like a negative sign, the fact that Herbert is drilling snaps under center is a welcome development. It appears the Chargers are preparing for Herbert to play and the playbook to be close to normal.
That being said, there are still some limitations that could come into play on Monday. The Chargers have adopted Philadelphia's tush push, but that likely isn't in the cards with Herbert's hand. Instead, Trey Lance or tight end Tyler Conklin could take any tush-push snaps.
It's also unclear if this will impact Herbert's production on the ground. Herbert's ability to extend plays with his legs has been a real strength this season. Herbert didn't have any scramble plays past the line of scrimmage after suffering the injury last week. While he can still hold the football in his right arm, the Chargers may not want to put their star QB in any unnecessary danger.
While that will hamper the offense some, it's still better than the alternative. For that reason, and because of how this past week has developed, expect Herbert to play on Monday against the Eagles.