To understand how a lot ache he was feeling in that actual second, take into account this: With barely two minutes left and his Chargers down and determined, Justin Herbert surrendered.
For one play, the group’s Professional Bowl quarterback was moved to forgo doubtlessly working for a primary down and as a substitute flipped the ball into the turf.
That occurred within the Chargers’ most up-to-date recreation — Sept. 15 in Kansas Metropolis — after Herbert suffered what later could be recognized as fractured rib cartilage.
Now, right here’s Herbert, eight days later, matter-of-factly dismissing his damage and the resultant agony it introduced him.
“Soccer is a recreation the place you play with a whole lot of discomfort,” he mentioned. “I don’t assume anybody ever actually feels good. … Week in, week out guys are coping with issues. So it’s simply a part of the sport, of simply being powerful and ensuring that your physique’s able to go if you play.”
One snap after giving in to the ache, Herbert stood tall by hitting DeAndre Carter for a 35-yard achieve to maintain the Chargers alive in a recreation they’d ultimately lose 27-24.
The query now's if Herbert can proceed to persevere and make performs as his group faces the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:05 p.m. Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers designated Herbert as questionable on Friday after he was largely a spectator throughout their closing follow.
“I don’t know,” he mentioned afterward when requested if he thought he’d play Sunday. “That’s a choice that we’ve acquired a few days left to make. … Regardless of the plan is, I do know that our group’s going to be ready to do every part we will.”
Herbert not beginning could be huge information in that he has rapidly emerged as one of many NFL’s high quarterbacks and the primary cause this group is taken into account a chief playoff contender after three years of lacking the postseason.
But the Chargers even have a current historical past of stability at crucial place in sports activities. Because the begin of the 2006 season, solely three gamers have began at quarterback for this franchise.
Philip Rivers was in there for 15 years and 240 video games. Tyrod Taylor then began the 2020 season opener earlier than Herbert took over for good per week later. That’s three quarterbacks over the span of 275 regular-season video games.
On Sunday, if Herbert is unavailable, long-time NFL backup Chase Daniel will begin, coach Brandon Staley mentioned. In his 14th 12 months, Daniel, 35, has 5 profession begins, his most up-to-date coming in 2019 with Chicago.
“I’ve had a whole lot of these loopy, unknown weeks,” Daniel mentioned. “That’s form of what it was this week. … I assume that’s a part of the deal as a backup. You’re anticipated to go in and if you happen to play, play effectively.”
The uncertainty surrounding Herbert comes the identical week that a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by Taylor in opposition to a Chargers group physician grew to become public data.
The physician, David Gazzaniga, is being sued by Taylor as a result of a 2020 pregame injection — meant to assist the quarterback handle the ache from two fractured ribs — resulted in a punctured lung.
When Taylor was unable to play in that Week 2 recreation, Herbert changed him minutes earlier than kickoff and has been the starter since then.
Gazzaniga stays a part of the Chargers’ medical group and was on the scene in Kansas Metropolis when Herbert was injured.
Herbert was requested Friday if he had any issues over his therapy, given what occurred with Taylor.
“I feel each state of affairs is totally different,” he mentioned. “I imply, you may have to try what’s greatest for you. I’m actually going to do every part I can to arrange, be able to play on Sunday.”
If Herbert does play, he’ll achieve this after throwing in follow solely on Thursday. He didn't try any passes Wednesday or Friday.
“He regarded good,” Staley mentioned of that Thursday exercise. “He’s powerful. He doesn’t really feel nice by any means. However he was capable of go on the market and throw the soccer.”
The Chargers are ready to see if the identical is true Sunday.
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