Team news: Los Angeles Chargers | Page 11

Justin Herbert has played his last snap of the 2023 season.

The Chargers quarterback is out for the season following surgery to repair his fractured index finger on his throwing hand, according to multiple reports.

Related players: Easton Stick

Herbert suffered the injury during the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Broncos. The story went on to say head coach Brandon Staley noted on Monday that the team would do what’s best for Herbert and the quarterback’s future. With the Chargers at 5-8 and having little chance to make it to the postseason, it’s clear shutting Herbert down is the right move. It's now Stick season for the Chargers going forward.

Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert is very likely to undergo surgery Tuesday on his fractured right index finger, per source.

Whether Herbert will have any chance to able to return this season will be determined by the surgery, Schefter added. Reports said Herbert would do anything he could to get back on the field this season, but from the Chargers standpoint - sitting at 5-8 on the season - there isn't much need to rush Herbert back.

Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert is not expected to play Thursday night vs the Raiders due to his fractured right index finger.

Related players: Easton Stick

The post went on to say Herbert will be consulting with Dr. Steven Shin to determine the extent of the injury and how much time he will miss, per source. It's quite possible this injury could end Herbert's season, but reports have said Herbert will do anything he can to get back on the field. Owners won't have him on a short week to likely open their playoff schedule however, so a backup plan will be needed. In a pinch, Stick will at least have a talented group of weapons around him, but should probably only be in lineups in deeper leagues, especially if this is a postseason game.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will have an MRI Monday on his fractured finger to determine how much time he will miss and perhaps if he'll even return this season. The Chargers' playoff hopes took a big hit with their 24-7 loss to the Broncos, dropping L.A. to 5-8 and two games behind the six-team cluster in the AFC wild card race. The Chargers have a short week coming as they visit the Raiders on Thursday. Easton Stick took over when Herbert left.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert left Sunday's game against the Broncos with a finger injury.

Easton Stick is now in at quarterback as the Chargers have been putting up a donut at home. It truly is amazing how many quarterbacks have gone down this season. For Herbert, it's the second time dealing with an injured finger. He suffered a broken finger in Week 6 but didn't miss any time. It's been that kind of year for the Chargers. Before leaving, Herbert was 9 of 17 for 96 yards with an interception.

Steelers RB Najee Harris (knee) is expected to play tonight vs. the Patriots,

Related Players: Jaylen Warren

Despite not practicing this week, Harris is expected to suit up, barring a setback. If he's active, he will continue to split the workload with back-mate Jaylen Warren, who may have the larger upside. Both should be considered RB3s ahead of a tough matchup.

Steelers RB Najee Harris (knee) didn't practice for a second consecutive day and is officially listed as questionable for Thursday night vs. the Patriots, who ruled out RB Rhamondre Stevenson.

Related Players: Jaylen Warren, Godwin Igwebuike, Anthony McFarland

Jaylen Warren would be in for a full bellcow workload if Harris were to miss, though the Patriots' run defense has been stout, even with teams sticking to the ground against them. New England ranks third in rushing yards allowed and first in yards per carry (3.2). Regardless, Warren should maintain plenty of passing work to make him a solid RB2 without Najee Harris.

The Chargers are opening WR Joshua Palmer’s 21-day practice window. Some help on the way in the coming weeks for L.A.’s offense.

Related Players: Quentin Johnston, Jalen Guyton

Surprisingly, this could be a huge boost for the Chargers offense. The receiving group has not looked great, and Palmer was able to string together some really good performances before going down with his knee injury, including a 16-336-1 statline between Weeks 3-7. He should be rostered as a potential FLEX play if he is able to return during the fantasy playoffs.

Coach Brandon Staley said Monday that X-rays on Quentin Johnston's ribs were returned negative, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Johnston didn't return to the field in the third quarter. Afterward, coach Brandon Staley told Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times that "it wasn't that [Johnston] couldn't go back in the game. We just didn't feel like... it was the right thing to go back in the game," according to the story. The story also said there's an expectation that Johnston will take part in practice this week.

Rams officially designated RB Kyren Williams to return to practice today and he is expected to play Sunday vs. Arizona.

Related Players: Royce Freeman, Zach Evans

If Williams is active he should immediately return to taking over this backfield, as it has turned into a liability since his departure.