Will Chargers’ Justin Herbert play? Quarterback already proved he can throw with rib injury

When Justin Herbert returned to the sphere after sitting out just one play, Keenan Allen — most likely like lots of Chargers followers — figured issues couldn’t be too unhealthy.

However, only a few minutes later, Herbert rolled to his proper on third and one and, with room to run for the primary down, as a substitute gingerly and feebly tossed the ball into the Arrowhead Stadium turf to kill the play.

“It didn’t appear to be an actual harm as a result of he landed on his butt,” Allen mentioned Thursday of the second Herbert suffered fractured rib cartilage final week in opposition to Kansas Metropolis.

However then recalling the throwaway on third down, Allen mentioned he concluded, “OK, he will need to have an actual downside. He’s hurting. He’s hurting for positive.”

Allen was, certainly, like lots of this group’s followers per week in the past. He watched Chargers-Chiefs on tv at residence after not touring as a result of he had been dominated out due to a hamstring harm.

So Allen sat in amazement too, when Herbert instantly adopted essentially the most anemic-looking play of his younger NFL profession with some of the dazzling.

Herbert completely dropped a rainbow deep over the center into the ready palms of DeAndre Carter to transform a fourth and one with a 35-yard achieve.

From not with the ability to go in any respect to going lengthy, Herbert put the Chargers in place to tug to inside 27-24 within the final two minutes.

“It could have been an incredible throw even when he wasn’t injured,” Allen mentioned. “However the truth he was capable of do it with the sport on the road and all the things that was happening made it rather more magnified.”

All the things round Herbert has remained magnified this week as he tries to prepared himself to play Sunday in opposition to Jacksonville at SoFi Stadium.

Herbert was restricted in observe for the second consecutive day Thursday after he was seen throwing quite a lot of passes within the portion of the exercise open to the media.

His official designation for the sport will likely be decided Friday when the Chargers launch their newest harm report. If Herbert can’t play, veteran backup Chase Daniel is predicted to begin.

Thursday gave the impression to be a step in the proper route since Herbert didn’t make any throws Wednesday throughout the interval reporters the place permitted to look at observe.

“He performs with lots of coronary heart,” Carter mentioned. “I’d go to battle with that dude any day of the week, man. He’s a fighter, and I’m going to go journey with him.”

Herbert confirmed the Chargers and the NFL lots in his first 34 profession begins. However final week in opposition to the Chiefs, he confirmed one thing new as a professional — an simple toughness in with the ability to persevere by way of harm.

On the drive after he was harm, Herbert accomplished seven of 9 passes for 73 yards and linked with Joshua Palmer for a seven-yard rating on fourth down.

Though many individuals had not seen Herbert succeed below such dire situations, one in all his former Oregon teammates mentioned the efficiency was nothing new.

“No shock in any respect,” tight finish Hunter Kampmoyer mentioned. “He’s been doing that since I’ve recognized him.”

Now a member of the Chargers observe squad, Kampmoyer performed with Herbert for 3 seasons with the Geese.

“That’s simply how Justin is,” Kampmoyer mentioned. “He’s been doing that since school. There have been loads of occasions he acquired banged up like that and performed by way of it. That’s simply the kind of participant he’s, sort of particular person he’s.”

The lone important harm Herbert suffered at Oregon got here in 2017 when a damaged collarbone compelled him to take a seat out 5 video games. He has managed to remain wholesome with the Chargers by way of his first two-plus seasons.

No teammates requested Thursday expressed shock concerning the grit Herbert displayed final week. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi known as Herbert and fellow quarterbacks Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford “the three hardest guys that I’ve ever been round.”

Security Derwin James Jr. famous Herbert’s rookie season throughout which the quarterback absorbed a number of massive hits after scrambling from the pocket.

“Justin’s a tricky child,” James mentioned. “He lifts arduous within the weight room. I wouldn’t say he’s a quarterback. I imply, he does all the things {that a} regular linebacker or receiver does so far as working.”

Stated Carter: “You’ll be able to inform the fellows who it actually means so much to. That’s Justin. I wouldn’t say he confirmed me something new. However, on the identical time, it’s a type of belongings you don’t know for positive till you see it. Justin confirmed everybody.”

Accidents

Although Herbert’s standing stays unsure, it seems the Chargers will likely be with out heart Corey Linsley and maybe cornerback J.C. Jackson on Sunday.

Linsley is coping with a knee difficulty that sidelined him for the second half in Kansas Metropolis. He has not been on the observe subject this week throughout media viewing.

Jackson sat out the Chargers’ opener whereas recovering from a surgical process on his proper ankle. He then performed all 57 defensive snaps in opposition to the Chiefs, and after the sport mentioned he felt superb.

However Jackson hasn’t practiced the final two days. He was on the sphere Wednesday and Thursday however not working with the group.

Allen (hamstring), beginning proper sort out Trey Pipkins III (foot) and backup tight finish Donald Parham Jr. (hamstring) had been all restricted in observe.