The Los Angeles Chargers have been a hard team to find a pulse on all season long. Despite an impressive roster and an excellent head coach, the injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt on the offensive line have led to some underwhelming performances from the roster.
Unfortunately, those injuries have also led to increased pressure and hits on their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert. Against one of the best pass-rushing teams in the league in the Jacksonville Jaguars, those blows may have become too much for the superstar quarterback.
What Happened to Justin Herbert?
An MVP-caliber start for Herbert has slowed down in subsequent weeks. But he still remains a dangerous name on any given night. Even behind a porous offensive line, the Los Angeles fan favorite has put together some strong showings.
The game against Jacksonville, unfortunately, wasn’t going in that direction. As the team trailed 14-6, Herbert had only tallied 85 passing yards before a brutal hit after the pass sent him to the medical tent, and he was replaced by Trey Lance.
In the second half, though, Herbert was back on the field. However, some excellent ball control from Jacksonville meant that Los Angeles had the ball for a grand total of three plays in the third quarter.
Unfortunately, the star quarterback for LA wasn’t able to capitalize, completing one of two pass attempts without gaining any yards on the drive through the air. Ranked 12th on PFSN’s QB Impact, the hope for the Chargers had to be that he could overcome any adversity on the offensive line.
However, in a rematch of his first playoff game, where he blew the third-largest lead in NFL playoff history, Herbert had been mediocre, at best, through three quarters.
Fantasy Outlook After Herbert’s Injury
It goes without saying that a Trey Lance offense would look considerably different than one with Herbert. Jim Harbaugh wants to win the math equation, and that means leaning into the pass, but he’s also very aware that Herbert offers upside that Lance doesn’t.
If this situation sustains, we are looking at an offense that will likely have trouble getting three pass catchers the needed volume to pay the fantasy bills, never mind four.
The route versatility of Ladd McConkey would keep him as the receiver with the most favorable projection, but the ceiling/floor equation changes for all involved in a major way.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.