Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is not giving up hope that he can still return this 2023 season following his Week 14 injury against the Denver Broncos.
Herbert suffered a finger injury midway through the second quarter of Sunday’s contest while he was attempting to throw the ball. While he was surveying the field and as he was about to make a pass, Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen came at him and took him down.
Video replays of the incident show Herbert appearing to hit Allen’s helmet while making the throw. As he stood up, the Chargers QB can be seen shaking his hand, obviously in pain. He was later taken off the field to be checked in the locker room.
The Chargers initially labeled him as questionable to return, but he was eventually ruled out. After the contest, reports emerged that he sustained a fractured right index finger. Depending on the severity of the fracture, Herbert is looking at a potentially season-ending injury.
Despite the concerns about his status, however, Herbert spoke to reporters after the game and promised that he will do everything he can to be back. And if there’s even a slight chance for him to play, he wouldn’t hesitate to take it.
“If there’s any chance to play, I’ll do everything I can to be out there,” Herbert said on his injury, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
More details about Herbert’s new finger injury should come out in the coming week. Sure enough, however, hopes are high that he can make a return to the Los Angeles Chargers sooner rather than later.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers’ Season a Lost Cause?
While there are still those fans who are hoping that Justin Herbert will be able to play again for the Los Angeles Chargers this 2023 campaign, there are also others who argue that the team is better off shutting him down to prepare for next season.
With the Chargers dropping to 5-8 on the season after Sunday’s 24-7 loss to the Broncos, their chances of making the playoffs got slimmer. Not to mention that even if Herbert does come back, he would still miss some games with his injury. By that point, it’s doubtful the Los Angeles franchise would still be in postseason contention.
Many also called for Brandon Staley’s firing, as fans blame him for the ugly season they have had.
“Shut down Herbert for the rest of the season. Keep Staley around just so he suffers like the rest of us. Don’t win a damn game for the rest of the season,” one commenter wrote.
Another one said, “I hope they shut down Herbert rest of the year. Let’s just get a better draft pick for the next head coach.”
“Shut down Herbert for the rest of the season. Fire Staley. Start the off season now!” a third critic shared.
It remains to be seen what the Los Angeles Chargers will do, but they will certainly have some tough decisions to make.
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