Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s broken hand to undergo surgery

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will undergo foot surgery to repair a broken bone in his non-throwing hand.

Herbert is expected to play next week for the Chargers (8-4), who beat the Raiders 31-14 on Sunday for their fourth win in five games. Herbert played the final three quarters against Las Vegas with a hard cast on his left hand while exclusively taking shotgun snaps.

“I think it’s one of those things where you just stabilize it (and play),” Herbert said. “I’m not a doctor, unfortunately, but they were optimistic, so I think that’s a good thing.”

Herbert wasn’t sure when he broke his hand, but it appeared to be late in the Chargers’ opening drive when he was thrown to the ground after a short tackle by Raiders safety Jeremy Chenen. Herbert threw a touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston on the next snap, but trainers pulled him off the field a few minutes later.

Trey Lance replaced Herbert to start the Chargers’ second drive against Las Vegas. After Lance moved the Chargers past midfield and completed his only throw, Herbert returned to the sideline and took some practice snaps before joining the drive with a protective glove over his cast.

“What I do know is he’s as tough as they come,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “He taped it, put (a) glove on and played a great game.”

Herbert quickly completed passes to Keenan Allen and Orond Gadsden before throwing an interception to Blue Kelly, who stepped in front of Lid McKinney on the goal line. That difficult selection was Herbert’s only revenge, despite his limited ability to keep on the ball.

“Ball security is very important, and I think I did a good job in the pocket today,” Herbert said. “Just get the ball to the running backs.”

The Chargers and Raiders were deadlocked at halftime, but Herbert led two long scoring drives in the second half. His offense converted 12 of its 17 third downs as Las Vegas was outgained 341-156.

Herbert has 2,842 yards with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season, his sixth for the Chargers.

Herbert had to play in 2023 with a splint on his left thumb after being caught in the helmet of a Raiders defender, but he also missed the final four games of that season after breaking his right thumb against Denver. Those four games were the only injury absences of Herbert’s career.

“In terms of experience, I’ve been through a lot,” Herbert said. “I think it will help, but at the end of the day, you just have to go there and make sure everything is good, you’re comfortable, and as long as the trainers and doctors feel it’s safe to return to the game, I have full confidence in these guys.”

The Chargers are nowhere near the playoffs in 2023, but Herbert’s current team is in playoff position with five games to play, and he doesn’t want to miss the chance to chase his first postseason victory.

Los Angeles’ remaining games are against five opponents currently above .500 – starting with a visit to defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia next Monday night.

“I’m treating it like I’m playing Monday,” Herbert said. “I think they were very optimistic about it, so I think it’s just something we’ll see and feel tomorrow.”