Analysis
9/25/22
2 min read
Rest, Not Painkillers, the Answer for Chargers QB Justin Herbert
Editor's note: Chargers QB Justin Herbert, recovering from a rib injury suffered in Week 2, was announced by the team as the starter for Sunday's game against Jacksonville.
As the Los Angeles Chargers weigh a decision to play or not play Justin Herbert against the Jaguars on Sunday, I am hopeful the team's brain-trust will error on the side of sitting their star quarterback and not rely on a pain-deadening shot to get him through the game.
Part of the reason I feel this way is because, like many coaches, I lived with this earlier in my assistant coaching career when doctors were convinced that a pain-deadening shot would allow our quarterback to throw pain-free, with no further injury complications. But, in this instance, the shot did not work and our quarterback had to leave early in the game.
While no two rib injuries are alike, I am hopeful the Chargers' decision-makers in the locker room will do more than just listen to how Herbert feels, because we all know he wants to be out there with his teammates against the Jaguars, and everyone in football knows how courageous and physically tough he is.
I think playing the "long game" with Herbert, which might be just one more week, could result in bringing the Chargers even closer together regardless of Sunday's result. They have a seasoned backup in Chase Daniels. This is the reason they paid him and clearly understand that his job would be to get the Chargers through these issues and buy time for Herbert to fully heal.
If Herbert plays against the Jaguars, I hope he comes out healthy and without further injury. He is too important, not only to the Chargers, but to the league.
