Is Justin Herbert playing this week? Exploring Chargers QB's status for Week 18

Quarterback Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers have guaranteed a playoff berth before their final game of the NFL regular season. However, if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Cincinnati Bengals this week, the Chargers might earn the fifth seed with a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.

The game between the Steelers and the Bengals is scheduled for Saturday night, before the Chargers' matchup with the Raiders on Sunday. Some fans are wondering if a Steelers win, which would guarantee the Chargers the No. 6 seed, would mean Justin Herbert will sit out the game on Sunday since a win won't really matter.

Exploring Justin Herbert's status for Week 18

This week, head coach Jim Harbaugh has given plenty of hints that the Los Angeles Chargers will play their key players against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in an attempt to move up in the playoff seeding.

If that's the case, quarterback Justin Herbert will suit up in Week 18 as he's currently not dealing with injuries ahead of gameday.

"11 wins sounds better than 10. We're playing to move up. I mean, we'd love to be in the fifth seed," Harbaugh said when asked if he'd sit his starters for the game against Las Vegas. "That gives you a chance to have a playoff game at home. It could even be in the divisional round at home and the championship game at home, so that's where things stand for us."

Herbert has struggled with a number of injuries this season, including one leg injury and two ankle injuries. He has been able to play despite his ailments, though, and has not missed a game yet.

How has Justin Herbert performed this season?

The signal-caller has been good this season, especially in the latter stages of the season, despite battling some persistent injuries, such as a plantar fascia foot problem that kept him out of action during training camp.

He has completed 65% of his passes in the Chargers offense this season. He has amassed 3,524 passing yards and 21 touchdowns against only three interceptions. In addition, he has averaged 16.5 yards rushing per game, adding 264 yards on 65 carries and two touchdowns on the ground.

He eclipsed Peyton Manning's mark for the most passing yards in an NFL player's first five seasons, which had stood for 20 years, during last week's game against the New England Patriots.