The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 14 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Justin Herbert missed some practice time this week due to injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Justin Herbert Playing Week 14?
Herbert suffered a fractured bone in his left hand during the Chargers’ Week 13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The injury occurred on the opening drive when he scrambled for a 1-yard gain and was tackled by safety Jeremy Chinn, who drove his left hand into the turf.​
Despite the injury, Herbert stayed in the game and threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston on the next play, giving Los Angeles an early 7-0 lead. He eventually went to the locker room and missed nine plays while a hard cast and glove were applied to his left hand.​
The Chargers quarterback returned to finish the contest, completing 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while wearing the cast. Los Angeles didn’t run a play under center for the remainder of the game, as Herbert struggled to grip the ball.​
Herbert underwent surgery Monday to repair the fracture. Doctors inserted a plate and screws to stabilize his hand.​
The sixth-year quarterback got in three limited practices ahead of Week 14. Herbert is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game against Philadelphia. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and Herbert have both expressed optimism about his availability.​ The expectation is that Herbert will play with a brace on his left hand and operate exclusively from the shotgun.
Herbert’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Herbert has three straight finishes outside of the top 15 at the position and is now dealing with off-hand surgery ahead of this Monday nighter.
Not great.
Since their Week 9 bye, the Eagles have allowed just one QB (Dak Prescott) to reach his season average and even that took a slanted game script with the Cowboys falling behind by 21 early.
MORE:Â Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
There’s a world in which we see Herbert lean into his athleticism and gets us there as a result. We’ve seen him do it a few times this season (three games with 50+ rush yards) and with a variety of weapons for Philadelphia to keep tabs on, it’s possible.
I’m cautiously optimistic. The Bolts are going to have a better feel for what their QB can/can’t do than the opponent and that has me thinking they have a scheme advantage.
That said, there’s more risk than normal with Herbert and if you wanted to play a Sam Darnold or Bo Nix type over him, I wouldn’t blame you.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
