Justin Herbert leaves Chargers-Raiders, returns with Cyborg-like hand splint

Justin Herbert has been incredible to start the 2023 season. Herbert became the 12th quarterback in NFL history to start a season with over 900 passing yards and no interceptions in the first three games of the season. Unfortunately for the Chargers quarterback, his no-interception streak ended in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Herbert attempted a deep pass to Joshua Palmer that sailed over his head straight into Trevon Moehrig-Woodard's hands. It appeared to be some kind of miscommunication between Herbert and Palmer and the third-year receiver never even jumped for the pass.

Being the ultimate competitor that he is, Herbert stayed engaged in the play and got tangled up with Maxx Crosby. Unfortunately, Herbert appeared to hurt his left hand in the process and was quickly ushered into the blue medical tent to get it worked on.

Herbert was in the tent for a long time and Chargers fans were starting to worry that the star quarterback would not return. However, right before the Chargers re-gained possession Herbert emerged, sporting a cyborg-like hand splint.

Chargers' Justin Herbert showcases his toughness with cyborg-like hand splint

Justin Herbert might be right-handed but it is still difficult to be an NFL quarterback with one of your hands taped up in this way. Getting a snap from under center is nearly impossible and even after the ball is snapped, pass-rushers are going to look to make contact with that injured hand.

This is not the first time that Herbert has toughed out an injury. The fourth-year QB played through fractured rib cartilage last season and even had a labrum injury that nobody knew the severity of until he had surprise surgery in the offseason.

Hopefully, this hand/finger injury won't be as impactful as those injuries were in 2022. Herbert was very hesitant to extend plays with his legs and was noticeably playing through pain. It limited his play and the ceiling of the Chargers' offense in 2022.

Thankfully, the Chargers have a bye week in Week 5 so Herbert will get extra time to heal the injury before returning under center against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.