Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse for the Chargers this season, they did.
Los Angeles went into the year expecting to contend for an AFC West title and Super Bowl, but those expectations have not gone to plan. Not only did the Chargers lose to the Broncos at SoFi Stadium in Week 14 — dwindling their playoff hopes heading into the final four weeks — they also lost star QB Justin Herbert to a finger injury.
In the loss to Denver, Herbert suffered a fractured right index finger on his throwing hand and underwent surgery. With the Chargers (5-8) two games back from a wild card spot with six 7-6 teams ahead of them in the standings, it doesn't make a lot of sense to rush their franchise quarterback back onto the field.
MORE: Updated 2024 NFL Draft order after Week 14
Will Herbert be able to play again during the 2023 NFL season? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
Is Justin Herbert out for the season?
Set to undergo surgery on his fractured right index finger on Tuesday, Dec. 12, Herbert has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert will miss the remainder of the 2023 regular season following surgery today on his fractured right index finger, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 12, 2023
Easton Stick takes over beginning Thursday night against the #Raiders. pic.twitter.com/r70Ov7xi64
Herbert was under pressure the entire game against the Broncos, taking four sacks and nine QB hits. In the second quarter, he was brought down by Broncos DE Zach Allen and came up shaking his hand.
Justin Herbert is questionable to return with a finger injury. pic.twitter.com/F1wQATnAEn
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 10, 2023
Herbert was originally listed as questionable to return but he never came back in the game. After the contest, coach Brandon Staley announced that the star QB had suffered a fractured index finger on his right throwing hand.
With the Chargers hardly holding onto their playoff hopes, there wasn't much reason to bring Herbert back as he attempts to recover from the surgery.
They will now hand the keys to their offense over to backup quarterback Easton Stick, who completed 13 of his 24 pass attempts for 179 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions in Herbert's absence in Week 14.
MORE: NFL Power Rankings after Week 14
Chargers remaining schedule 2023
The Chargers have four games remaining in the 2023 NFL season.
| Date | Week | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Dec. 14 | 15 | at Raiders (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| Dec. 23 | 16 | vs. Bills | 8 p.m. | Peacock |
| Dec. 31 | 17 | at Broncos | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| Jan. 7 | 18 | vs. Chiefs | TBD | TBD |
