Justin Herbert Avoids Finger Fracture As Chargers Prepare For Ravens Clash

Justin Herbert Avoids Finger Fracture Ahead Of Ravens Game© Instagram

Justin Herbert wanted back into Sunday's game. Jim Harbaugh kept him on the sideline. By Monday, the Chargers had better news about the finger injury that ended their quarterback's afternoon against Houston: imaging showed no fracture.

“X-rays were negative and should be good to go,” Harbaugh said.

That puts Herbert on course to face Baltimore on Monday Night Football on November 16. The injury is to the middle finger of his left, non-throwing hand. Los Angeles is still searching for its first win after a 44-22 defeat dropped the Chargers to 0-8.

Herbert Finished His Drive Before Leaving

Herbert hurt the finger in the fourth quarter but stayed in long enough to throw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston. Backup DJ Uiagalelei took over on the next possession and finished the game. Harbaugh said afterward that pulling Herbert was his decision. The quarterback had wanted to continue despite the injury, and he sounded confident about being available for Baltimore.

“Shouldn't be an issue,” Herbert said Sunday. “I'll do whatever I can to make sure I'm 100%.”

Houston had already made it a punishing afternoon. Herbert was sacked eight times, a career high, and finished with 193 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception on 13-of-23 passing.

Uiagalelei made his NFL debut in relief, completing two of seven passes for 24 yards and a touchdown to Derius Davis. His appearance came with the Chargers well behind, rather than with a realistic chance to rescue the game.

Chargers Have More To Fix Before Baltimore

Johnston's touchdown finally ended a drought stretching back to October 11. Los Angeles had gone 37 offensive possessions and 12 consecutive quarters without reaching the end zone.

The Chargers had managed three field goals on their first four drives against Houston. Then came six possessions without a point, including an interception, a fumble and a failed fourth-down attempt. By the time Herbert found Johnston, Houston had taken control.

Herbert enters the Baltimore week with six touchdown passes and 11 interceptions through eight games. The Chargers have lost 11 straight dating to last season.

There is also uncertainty around one of his receivers. Ladd McConkey was active Sunday but could not play after experiencing back spasms during warmups. Harbaugh described him as day-to-day Monday. McConkey repeatedly tried to get ready during the game but never entered. He has 17 catches for 286 yards and a touchdown in six appearances this season.