Justin Herbert injury update: Is Chargers QB out for the season?

Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers ended their three-game losing streak with a 6-0 win over the New England Patriots in Week 13 and were hoping to continue in their winning ways when they hosted the Denver Broncos in Week 14. However, their hopes were dashed in the second quarter when Herbert suffered a finger injury that required medical aid and a trip to the locker room.

Chargers HC revealed after the game that Herbert fractured a finger on his throwing hand after being tackled to the turf by Broncos defensive end Zach Allen. The Chargers stated that the quarterback's return to the game was initially ruled questionable but was later changed to out. Backup quarterback Easton Stick replaced Herbert under center.

The Chargers quarterback was having a rough day against the Broncos' defense before his exit from the game. He completed only nine of 17 pass attempts for 96 yards and tossed an interception.

The Broncos took full advantage of the short field and scored the game's first touchdown.

The Broncos' defense stifled Justin Herbert in the pocket and sacked him four times before he suffered the finger injury that left him needing medical assistance. Denver went into the halftime break leading 10-0.

Justin Herbert injury update: Chargers reveal extent of QB's injury

Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert returned to the sideline in the second half in a hoodie and hid in his hand inside the pocket to avoid revealing the extent of his injury. Following the Chargers' 24-7 loss, head coach Brandon Staley announced that the quarterback had suffered a fractured right index finger.

With the Chargers falling to 5-8, it's unlikely the team will risk rushing Herbert back and expose the quarterback to a potentially severe injury. He'll probably sit out of the team's Week 15 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

UPDATE: Herbert has been ruled out for the rest of the 2023 season.

While there are four games left in the season, the Chargers' playoff hopes are likely over. They are mathematically alive. However, with Herbert's injury and needing a slew of results going their way, their playoff dreams are a bridge too far.

Staley and the rest of the coaching staff's positions will be under scrutiny in the offseason, and the Chargers' performance in their final four games will play a crucial role in determining whether they retain their jobs next season.