The Los Angeles Chargers experienced disappointment last Thursday when they blew a second-half lead and lost to their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs in a game that could end up deciding first place in the division.
But, even worse, quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a rib cartilage injury late in the fourth quarter that caused him noticeable pain.
He remained in the contest and even played well, but it remains a concern moving forward.
Luckily, head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday that Herbert has improved and is feeling better.
“He’s gotten a lot of rest since the last game,” Staley said. “He’s feeling more comfortable. I know that he was able to do some light throwing yesterday, some rotational work, but we’re just going to take it day by day and see where his comfort level is.”
He took part in practice on Wednesday, although he didn’t throw any passes during the portion that was open to the media.
Justin Herbert on the practice field today. pic.twitter.com/gCwmrw1HNo
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 21, 2022
Justin Herbert participated in handoffs, but so far during the open period to media, has not thrown any passes. pic.twitter.com/13jzjuBo2l
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 21, 2022
It’s no secret that Los Angeles has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations this year, and they could be riding on Herbert’s health.
The Good News For The Chargers
Other than the fact that Herbert’s rib ailment appears to be improving, the good news for the team is that it has entered the “easy” part of its schedule.
Other than a Week 6 tilt versus Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos, the Bolts won’t have any games against any definite playoff teams until Week 10 when they face the San Francisco 49ers in Northern California.
That will be the start of a five-game stretch that includes games versus the Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins, and three of them will be on the road.
But until then, the Chargers could have the luxury of resting Herbert if his pain and discomfort are too great for him to be mobile enough on the field.
L.A. will face the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at SoFi Stadium, and although the Jaguars have a couple of men with potential, such as QB Trevor Lawrence, they aren’t exactly championship contenders.
It could be a game the Chargers should win without too much trouble without Herbert, especially if top wide receiver Keenan Allen returns to the field.
Like Herbert, Allen was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice because of his hamstring ailment, and he’s listed as day-to-day.
Keenan Allen back on the practice field today…Brandon Staley said before practice that Allen is day to day as he recovers from the hamstring injury pic.twitter.com/uSWlyMyEc6
— Cory Kennedy (@corykennedy28) September 21, 2022
Herbert Showed His Mettle In Week 2
Even though Herbert was clearly in pain after suffering the hit that sustained his rib injury, he continued to play, and he was effective.
With L.A. down 27-17 and just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter, he did very well on the team’s final drive.
Justin Herbert's final drive after suffering a rib cartilage fracture:
7-9 passing
73 pass yards
1 TDLed 9-play, 73-yard TD drive (9 passing plays, 0 run plays). pic.twitter.com/mI221WSv6X
— Pinhead Sports® (@_PinheadSports) September 16, 2022
During that drive, he converted on two fourth downs, which included a touchdown pass to wideout Josh Palmer that kept the Chargers alive with 1:15 left.
They needed to recover the ball on the ensuing onside kick and get into field goal range in order to be able to tie the game, but the Chiefs’ Noah Gray got possession of the kick, effectively ending the game.
Still, Herbert did his job, not only showing his gutsiness, but also his clutch ability.
NEXT: How Bad Is Justin Herbert's Injury?