2 weeks Ago
Justin Herbert was one of the many NFL stars banged up on Sunday. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback injured his lower right leg during a 26-3 win over the Carolina Panthers, but he didn't miss any steps. Herbert stayed in the game to complete 14 of 20 passes for 130 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick in Jim Harbaugh's run-heavy offense.
On Monday, Harbaugh confirmed that the Chargers avoided a severe issue. The head coach told reporters that X-rays on Herbert's leg returned negative. "I'm sure there'll be further evaluations as the week goes on," Harbaugh said when asked if Herbert underwent an MRI, per The Athletic's Daniel Popper .
Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images Fantasy football managers may not appreciate Herbert's new role in Los Angeles. After averaging 277.8 passing yards per game through four seasons, the former No.
6 pick has 274 yards through two games. Yet the Chargers have opened the season with a pair of double-digit victories, moving the quarterback's career record to 32-32. He's matching his career average with a 95.
7 passer rating despite losing top wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams during the offseason. "I think he reminded everybody that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League," Harbaugh said of Herbert after Sunday's win, per ESPN's Kris Rhim . The Chargers closed the 2023 season without Herbert due to a fractured finger, but they'll hope not to experience that reality again.
Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke would be in line to replace the Pro Bowl if he can't play. Los Angeles will face the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday before a pivotal Week 4 division showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Related: Justin Herbert Admits He Wasn't Ready For Jim Harbaugh's Pregame Move.
