Justin Herbert played through a finger injury to lead the Los Angeles Chargers to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, and it sounds like the star quarterback must have been in some significant pain.
Herbert suffered a fractured finger on his left (non-throwing) hand, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Herbert also had what Rapoport described as a “gruesome nail injury” to the finger.
Fortunately, the Chargers have a bye next week and Herbert is not expected to miss any games.
#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) October 2, 2023
The Chargers were leading 24-10 late in the third quarter when Herbert threw an interception on a 3rd-and-10 play at midfield. Rather than getting out of the way, Herbert tried to atone for the mistake and make a tackle. He got hit pretty hard as he ran into Maxx Crosby, which led to the finger injury. You can see the video here.
Herbert was able to finish the game with a splint on his left hand. The Chargers did not score another point, but they hung on to win 24-17. Herbert completed 13 of 24 passes for 167 yards, 1 touchdown and an interception. He also rushed for two touchdowns.
The injury was likely a reminder to Herbert and other quarterbacks that it is better not to try to take on 275-pound defenders after a turnover. Herbert and the Chargers are fortunate the injury was to the quarterback’s left hand.
