Justin Herbert’s Grit Amidst Adversity
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert continues to be a focal point on the injury report following recent wrist surgery. Just one week after having screws and other stability measures implanted in his non-throwing hand, Herbert demonstrated remarkable resilience during the Chargers’ Monday Night Football victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wrist Surgery and Precautionary X-Rays
The day after the game, Herbert underwent precautionary x-rays on his surgically repaired wrist. He described the results as largely positive, stating, “everything was clean for the most part.” While not the most reassuring statement, he acknowledged that aside from some typical soreness, his condition was not out of the ordinary for someone in his situation.
Chargers’ Offensive Line Struggles
Despite the concerning nature of Herbert’s recent medical procedures, the Chargers listed him as “limited” on the week’s opening injury report, which is a promising sign. As the team prepares for their Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Herbert will have nearly two weeks to recover from surgery. The hope is that he can improve significantly in that time.
However, the bigger concern may lie with the performance of the offensive line in front of him. On Monday night, the Chargers’ offensive line allowed the highest pressure rate of the season, putting additional strain on Herbert, who was also forced to carry the team as a primary rushing threat due to his injury. This scenario raises significant red flags regarding the team’s protection and overall offensive strategy.
Individual Lineman Performance
In terms of performance metrics, here’s how the Chargers’ offensive linemen graded according to Pro Football Focus:
LT Jamaree Salyer: 9th
RT Bobby Hart: 48th
LG Zion Johnson: 42nd
RG Mekhi Becton: 52nd
C Bradley Bozeman: 18th
The disparity in these grades underscores the challenges facing Herbert and the Chargers as they navigate the remainder of the season. The hope remains that both Herbert’s health and the offensive line’s performance will improve, allowing the team to maximize its potential in the coming weeks.
