Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert returned to practice on Thursday, only days after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured bone in his left, non-throwing hand.
His quick return to the field has kept alive the possibility that he could start in the Chargers’ Week 14 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. Though officially listed as day-to-day, Herbert has said that he is preparing as if he will play.
Justin Herbert Gets Advice From Ex-Teammate After Surgery
Justin Herbert was back on the field on Thursday, throwing during practice while wearing a bulky cast on his injured left hand.
Former NFL quarterback and ex-teammate Chase Daniels retweeted a video clip of the session, remarking that Herbert is “built differently” and noting that the cast looked “a little bulkier” than expected.
Daniel added that if Herbert does play, the quarterback will likely have to operate almost exclusively out of pistol and shotgun formations and “find a way to protect himself.”
Justin Herbert is built different….that’s a little bulkier than I thought for his cast.
If he plays…all pistol & shotgun. Has to find a way to protect himself https://t.co/esm8KejTVv
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 4, 2025
The structure of this week’s practice suggests that the Chargers are preparing for exactly that possibility. On Wednesday, Herbert participated in the team’s walkthrough but did not take live reps, with backup Trey Lance handling the first-team work.
Herbert revealed that doctors inserted a plate and several screws into his hand to stabilize the fracture and said that the medical staff were pleased with the results. He acknowledged that his game availability will hinge on factors such as pain tolerance and ball handling, but he reiterated his expectation that he will start.
On Wednesday, coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman both said their expectations are Herbert will play against Philadelphia. Harbaugh added that Lance will be ready if needed, particularly for snaps under center, something Herbert said the team will test later in the week.
The coach said the main priority this week is making sure Herbert can function within an offense tailored to protect the hand.
Herbert sustained the injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the damage, he played the final three quarters in a hard cast and glove, forcing the Chargers to run their offense entirely out of shotgun and pistol looks.
Herbert described gripping the football as the most difficult part of finishing the game, but he showed little statistical drop-off, completing 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. PFSN QB Impact metric lists him a score of 80.2 with a B- rating for the season, ranking him 12th.
