The Los Angeles Chargers rebounded to grab their first of the season in Week 3 and are holding a lead in Week 4. But Justin Herbert may have suffered an injury. What happened to Herbert against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, and what’s his current status?
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Justin Herbert Injury Update
Herbert appeared to be shaken up after throwing an interception to Raiders safety Trevon Moehrig near the end of the third quarter.
He quickly went to the blue medical tent on the Chargers’ sideline, where the club’s medical staff appeared to be looking at his left hand. Herbert might have suffered a cut on his hand, but it’s unclear at this time.
Looks like Justin Herbert suffered a cut on his left hand trying to make a tackle on his interception. He's in the injury tent being treated.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams)
Fortunately, Herbert returned to the game on the Chargers’ next drive. He had a splint on his left index finger, and his hand was heavily bandaged.
On Monday, NFL Network reported that Herbert fractured a finger and suffered a “gruesome” nail injury on his left hand. He’ll have Los Angeles’ Week 5 bye to recover and is not expected to be sidelined.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert suffered a fractured finger on his left, non-throwing hand, sources say. The finger also suffered a gruesome nail injury. Herbert somehow finished the game and with the bye, should not miss time. pic.twitter.com/IQh3YiS0ou
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
It goes without saying that the Chargers can’t afford to lose Herbert. If he were forced to miss time, Los Angeles would turn to 2019 fifth-round pick Easton Stick, who’s attempted just one pass at the NFL level.
Stick is the only other quarterback on the Chargers’ active roster. The Bolts also have seventh-round rookie Max Duggan on their practice squad.
Fantasy Fallout From Herbert’s Injury
I promise Easton Stick isn’t the latest brand of hockey gear. If the Chargers are forced to go to their backup QB, we might see the one thing that can slow down Keenan Allen.
Stick has thrown one NFL pass since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 draft, and while some of his college numbers look good, North Dakota State didn’t exactly play a high level of competition. Allen would remain a viable fantasy option, albeit one with a much lower ceiling, while the battle for the WR2 role in Los Angeles would no longer matter for fantasy purposes.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe