Chargers 'optimistic' Herbert will start Monday against Eagles

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Justin Herbert did not practice on Wednesday afternoon but he did talk to the media with the same calm expression that’s become his trademark, even as a plate and several screws now sit inside his left hand. Just 48 hours after surgery to stabilize a fracture suffered in Sunday’s win over the Raiders, his mindset is steady and ready for Monday Night Football.

Jim Harbaugh made it clear that “back at practice” did not mean “full go.”

“He will be out in practice but not practicing,” Harbaugh said before Wednesday’s session. Still, the coach was upbeat—classic Harbaugh—in his assessment of Herbert’s chances to play Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. “We’re optimistic that’s going to be the case.”

Optimistic is a word the Chargers have become familiar with when it comes to Herbert and injuries. Fingers, ribs, shoulder, ankle—Herbert has suffered a little of everything since entering the league in 2020. His latest fracture marks the third finger injury of his career, yet he’s only missed four games in six seasons. Harbaugh, who loves to praise toughness when he sees it, wasn’t surprised to see his quarterback move seamlessly back into the weekly routine.

“He hasn’t missed a beat,” Harbaugh said. “He’s been in meetings, he was out on the field for the walkthrough today, and he’ll be watching practice this afternoon.”

For now, Herbert remains officially day-to-day. The Chargers will evaluate him throughout the week before determining his game status on Saturday.

Herbert, who spoke with reporters after practice, didn’t reveal much about the likelihood of suiting up Monday. He confirmed what the team had already shared—his hand was surgically repaired with a plate and multiple screws, and the fracture is “stabilized.”

“It’s pretty early in the process,” Herbert said. “The plan is to prepare as if I’m going to play. I’m going to see how the next couple of days go and do everything I can to be out there for the team.”

Herbert acknowledged he’s played through plenty before—and even navigated weeks without taking practice reps.

“It’s not ideal, it’s difficult in this league,” he said. “But if that’s the case and the coach feels I can do the best job for the team, then I trust his decision.”

Of course, the uncomfortable question lingers: what if Herbert can’t play? The Chargers’ contingency plan is Trey Lance, who impressed in the preseason with poise, mobility, and a handful of highlight throws.

Harbaugh praised Lance on Wednesday, sounding confident in the backup’s readiness.

“That presence he has when he’s out there—calm, cool, collected,” Harbaugh said. “I’ve been very impressed. He comes to every meeting like he’s prepared to be the starter in every game.”

Lance entered Sunday’s game briefly while the training staff taped Herbert’s hand. Still, the staff has consistently pointed to his command and preparation as reasons they feel comfortable should he be thrust into the spotlight on Monday night.

The Chargers will practice Thursday and Friday at The Bolt before releasing game designations on Saturday. The Eagles are a tough assignment even with a healthy quarterback—let alone one five days removed from hand surgery.

Still, if Herbert’s injury history has taught the league anything, it’s this: he rarely stays down for long.

If his hand cooperates, Monday night could mark the latest chapter in Herbert’s growing catalogue of improbable recoveries. And if not, the Chargers believe they have a capable understudy ready to step in.

One thing is certain: Herbert’s presence—on the field, in meetings, and in the huddle when needed—continues to set the tone for a team chasing momentum entering December.