Tag: Herbert

Justin Herbert to sit, Trey Lance to start for Chargers in Week 18

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With Los Angeles locked into a wild-card spot, Trey Lance will start at quarterback in the Chargers’ regular-season finale at the Denver Broncos and Justin Herbert will not dress.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh announced that decision Monday, saying that DJ Uiagalelei will be elevated from the practice squad to serve as Lance’s backup.

“The guys that have the most bruises and need the most healing, we’ll pull them back. Justin Herbert would be one,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll see how the rest of the week goes with who all they are. They’ll be some situations where some starters are backups.”

The Broncos (13-3) clinched the AFC West this past week, going two games up on the Chargers (11-5) with one week to go. The Chargers fell to the Houston Texans 20-16 on Saturday.

Los Angeles can wind up as the fifth, sixth or seventh seed in the AFC in some combination with the Buffalo Bills and either the Texans or Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Winning and being healthy, those are our two objectives,” Harbaugh said. “Guys that we think, the doctors, trainers, myself, the organization, that have the most bruises and need that time the most, we’ve decided that’s the direction we’re going.”

Herbert has started all 16 games for the Chargers so far this season, including after he suffered a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand that required surgery Dec. 1.

Herbert, 27, was named to his second Pro Bowl in his sixth NFL season. He finishes the regular season with 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 66.4 completion percentage. He added a career-high 498 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

He also took more sacks this year (54) than in any previous season in the league.

Lance, 25, has gotten into three games in relief of Herbert this year and went 7 of 13 for 90 yards. The third overall pick of the 2021 draft by San Francisco, his 49ers tenure was cut short after eight games (2021-22) due to an ankle injury and the emergence of Brock Purdy at quarterback. He served as a reserve QB for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023-24.

–Field Level Media

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) expected back vs. Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton is expected to return from a left ankle fracture and play Monday night when the Philadelphia Eagles visit Inglewood, Calif., multiple outlets reported Saturday.

After missing seven games with the injury, Hampton was trending toward his first game since leaving an Oct. 5 loss to the Washington Commanders.

Hampton returned to practice last week wearing the yellow jersey Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh uses to designate players working through an injury. He was on the practice field Friday in a blue jersey with the rest of the offense.

Hampton is officially listed as questionable for Monday’s game after being limited in practice on Thursday and listed as a full participant on Friday and Saturday.

“If it’s up to me. I’ll always play,” Hampton said, per ESPN. “But I got to wait for the doc. Whatever they say goes.”

Hampton averaged 4.8 yards per carry before he was injured, taking over the bulk of the carries after Najee Harris went down with a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3. The No. 22 overall draft pick out of North Carolina had 66 carries for 314 yards and two scores, including a highlight-reel 54-yard touchdown run against the Giants in Week 4.

Quarterback Justin Herbert is also listed as questionable for Monday’s game after he was limited in practice all week.

Hurt in Sunday’s 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Herbert underwent surgery a day later to put a plate and screws in his left (non-throwing) hand to expedite healing of a broken bone.

Harbaugh said of the possibility of Herbert being the starter Monday: “We’re optimistic that that’s going to be the case.”

Herbert, 27, has completed 66.9% of his passes this season for 2,842 yards with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Chargers (8-4) have won four of their past five games to become wild-card eligible.

Since Los Angeles selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, Herbert owns a 49-42 record as a starter. He has connected on 66.5% of his passes, throwing for 23,935 yards and 158 TDs with 55 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (hand) limited in practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was a limited practice participant on Thursday, three days after undergoing left hand surgery.

The team termed Herbert as day-to-day after the surgery, but he is counting on playing in Monday night’s home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

During the surgery, Herbert had a plate and multiple screws inserted into his non-throwing hand.

“As long as it’s stabilized and fixed and the doctors feel comfortable with it, then I think you can move on to just playing and just trying not to focus on it too much,” Herbert told reporters on Wednesday.

Herbert was injured during Sunday’s 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Trey Lance would be the starting quarterback against the Eagles if Herbert can’t play.

Herbert, 27, has passed for 2,842 yards and 21 touchdowns against 10 interceptions this season for the Chargers (8-4).

In 91 career games, Herbert has 23,935 yards and 158 touchdowns with 55 interceptions. He was the sixth overall pick by the Chargers in the 2020 draft.

Other Chargers who were limited on Thursday were running backs Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Hassan Haskins (hamstring), receiver Quentin Johnston (shoulder) and offensive linemen Trey Pipkins III (back) and Jamaree Salyer (shoulder).

Defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (illness) and tight end Tucker Fisk (ankle) were the only Chargers to miss practice due to injury or illness.

–Field Level Media

RB Omarion Hampton ‘on track’ to give Chargers’ backfield needed jolt

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton might be just the jolt the Bolts need on Monday night when the Philadelphia Eagles visit Los Angeles.

With Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert sitting out practice following surgery Monday on his broken left hand, head coach Jim Harbaugh said there is good news for the team on the running back front.

After missing seven games with an ankle injury, Hampton was on the practice field with the Chargers and trending toward his first game since leaving the Oct. 5 loss to the Commanders.

Because of Kimani Vidal’s 126-yard game last week against the Raiders, the Chargers might be less inclined to push Hampton back on the field.

“That question will be answered as the week unfolds,” Harbaugh said. “But what can I tell you: He’s on track and looking good.”

The Chargers’ initial injury report for Week 14 is due Thursday because of the Monday night kickoff.

Hampton averaged 4.8 yards per carry before he was injured, taking over the bulk of the carries after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3.

Hampton has 66 carries for 314 yards and two scores, including a highlight-reel 54-yard touchdown run against the Giants in Week 4.

Trey Lance ran the first-team offense on Wednesday with Herbert nowhere near conceding his hand injury could keep him on the sideline Monday.

Hurt in last week’s win, Herbert underwent surgery to put a plate and screws in his left (non-throwing) hand to expedite healing of the broken bone a day later.

Herbert had yet to hold a football since the surgical procedure ahead of Thursday’s practice.

Still, Herbert said, “The plan is to prepare as if I’m going to play and see how the next couple of days goes. Do everything I can to be out there for the team and the guys out there.”

Harbaugh said of the possibility of Herbert being the starter Monday: “We’re optimistic that that’s going to be the case.”

Herbert, 27, has completed 66.9% of his passes this season for 2,842 yards with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Chargers (8-4) have won four of their past five games to sit in the top AFC wild-card position.

Since Los Angeles selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, Herbert owns a 49-42 record as a starter. He has connected on 66.5% of his passes, throwing for 23,935 yards and 158 TDs with 55 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (hand) hopes to start vs. Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A broken non-throwing hand might not cost Justin Herbert a start, as the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback hopes to face the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.

Herbert was injured in the opening quarter of the Chargers’ 31-14 win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday when Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn hit his left hand. He stayed the game at first, then left briefly before returning.

A day later, Herbert underwent surgery to put a plate and screws in the hand.

Herbert has yet to hold a football since the surgical procedure, and he watched Wednesday as Trey Lance guided the first team.

Still, Herbert said, “The plan is to prepare as if I’m going to play and see how the next couple of days goes. Do everything I can to be out there for the team and the guys out there.”

Coach Jim Harbaugh said of the possibility of Herbert being the starter Monday: “We’re optimistic that that’s going to be the case.”

Herbert, 27, has completed 66.9% of his passes this season for 2,842 yards with 21 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. The Chargers (8-4) have won four of their past five games to sit in the top AFC wild-card position.

Since Los Angeles selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, Herbert owns a 49-42 record as a starter. He has connected on 66.5% of his passes, throwing for 23,935 yards and 158 touchdowns with 55 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (15) makes a diving catch against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

NFL Trade Deadline: Cowboys acquire WR Jonathan Mingo from Panthers

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Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is back in the NFC North, acquired by the conference-leading Detroit Lions from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday for a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in 2026.

Pushing for a pass rusher since losing Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg, the Lions landed Smith and also receive a seventh-round pick in 2026.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Smith has five sacks this season playing opposite Myles Garrett in Cleveland.

He has 65 career sacks, 321 tackles and 10 forced fumbles in 132 career games (89 starts) with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Browns.

–Bengals bolster RB room, trade for Bears’ Khalil Herbert
Displaced by the arrival of free agent D’Andre Swift at the start of the 2024 season, Khalil Herbert could step into an immediate role in the Bengals’ backfield after Cincinnati traded a seventh-round pick to acquire the 26-year-old.

Herbert provides depth in the Bengals’ backfield with Zack Moss dealing with a neck injury and deemed out indefinitely by head coach Zac Taylor on Monday.

Herbert had eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown with the Bears this season. He has rushed for 1,791 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 45 catches for 291 yards and two scores in 48 career games (12 starts) with the Bears.

–Cowboys deal fourth-round pick for Panthers WR Jonathan Mingo
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Adding Mingo, 23, gives backup quarterback Cooper Rush another big, talented target as he steps in for injured starter Dak Prescott. As part of the announced trade, Dallas also nets a seventh-round pick in 2025.

Mingo started 14 games as a rookie last season. The emergence of rookie first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker pushed Mingo down the depth chart in 2024.

Rebuilding Carolina traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a 2025 sixth-rounder to the Ravens last week in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2025.

Drafted 39th overall by the Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft, Mingo caught 43 passes as a rookie and has 12 receptions this season. During the 2023 draft, Mingo was a receiver the Cowboys “really liked,” according to owner Jerry Jones. Dallas used its second-round pick, 19 spots after Mingo went off the board, to select Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker.

–Trades completed prior to Tuesday
Early action from the Kansas City Chiefs to bolster their injury-dinged offense and pass rush brought in Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick, and edge Josh Uche from the New England Patriots for a sixth-round pick 2026.

Hopkins caught two touchdown passes from Patrick Mahomes in Monday’s 30-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping the Chiefs improve to 8-0.

–Field Level Media

Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Onta Foreman (21) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Bears down trio of RBs vs. Vikings

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D’Onta Foreman will jump to the front of the line at running back on Sunday with the Chicago Bears ruling out three players who left last week’s win over Washington.

Starter Khalil Herbert (ankle) and backups Roschon Johnson (concussion) and Travis Homer (hamstring) were ruled out on Friday, leaving the Bears to scramble to fill out the depth chart against the Minnesota Vikings.

They re-signed Darrynton Evans earlier this week. Evans, 25, played six games for the Bears last season and rushed for 64 yards on 14 carries.

Foreman has five carries for 16 yards this season, his first with the Bears. But Foreman said he’s prepared to step into the starting role.

“A lot of people counted me out. A lot of people,” Foreman said of starting against the Vikings this week.

Herbert leads the Bears (1-4) with 272 rushing yards in his first season as the No. 1 back. The Bears parted with David Montgomery, who has 371 yards to lead the Detroit Lions, in free agency.

Foreman had five 100-yard games and averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2022 with the Carolina Panthers. He ran for 914 yards and scored five touchdowns on the season.

The 27-year-old was a third-round pick (89th overall) in 2017 with the Houston Texans. He has 448 carries for 1,917 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career, which also includes a stop with the Tennessee Titans.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is sacked by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Chargers QB Justin Herbert fractured finger in win

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert finished Sunday’s game with what he described as a “flesh wound” that turned out to be a fractured finger on his left hand.

According to multiple reports, Herbert won’t need surgery and should be ready to play when Los Angeles returns from a bye to host the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 16.

The Chargers (2-2) beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-17 to regain their footing after starting the season 0-2. But the offense made major modifications to accommodate Herbert, who had two rushing touchdowns and a career-low 167 passing yards. Other than a failed quarterback sneak, every snap after his injury was out of the shotgun or modified pistol formation.

Herbert was injured tracking down cornerback Tre’von Moehrig following an interception. He was checked out by trainers, who bandaged his finger and offered him a protective glove, then cleared him to return to the game. Herbert was wearing a split on his finger after the game.

The injury to Herbert’s finger also caused displacement on the fingernail, he said.

“It is but a scratch. Just a flesh wound,” Herbert said Sunday night.

Herbert, who finished the game wearing a white glove on his left hand, has never missed a game in the NFL. He said the pain during the game was tolerable but trainers and medical staff would have input on when he’s back on the field.

“I don’t have all the information right now,” Herbert said. “If I was able to go back out there, and the doctors and trainers felt like it was safe, I’m sure it’s up to their hands. I’ve always felt really safe and comfortable with them working out. We’ll see what they have to say.”

–Field Level Media

May 23, 2023, Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers QB Justin Herbert optimistic about contract situation

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert knows he will be a rich man sometime in the near future, but he can’t tell you when he will agree to a big-money contract with the club.

Herbert addressed his situation on Monday at the team’s charity golf tournament in Rolling Hills Estates, Calif., saying he has faith the organization will make everything work.

“They’ve done such a great job of taking care of us and my message really hasn’t changed,” Herbert told reporters. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this team. It’s great to come to events like this and whatever happens, happens and it’s out of my control at this point.”

Herbert has seen the salary landscape rise this offseason with Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles landing a five-year, $255 million deal, and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens topping that with a five-year, $260 million package.

Herbert, slated to earn $4.23 million in 2023, underwent surgery in January to repair a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. The club has exercised his fifth-year option of $29.5 million for the 2024 season.

The injury situation leads observers to wonder whether Herbert would be fine with playing his fourth NFL season without an extension being signed.

“That’s a good question. I think that’s something you have to address and you have to think about,” Herbert said. “My job at this point is just to play quarterback and to be the best leader, quarterback and teammate that I can be. So I’m doing everything I can to rehab, get back and make sure my shoulder is ready for this season.”

The 25-year-old Herbert recently resumed throwing and is forecast to be ready to go well before the start of the 2023 season.

“I feel a lot better,” Herbert said. “The shoulder is holding up, been able to lift quite a bit more, conditioning, so picking up more, especially upper body-wise. So it has been tough. It’s an unlike any other offseason for me, but you have to find a way to make it work.”

Herbert has passed for 14,089 yards, 94 touchdowns and 35 interceptions in 49 games (all starts) over his first three NFL seasons.

Chargers coach Brandon Staley said Monday that he expects running back Austin Ekeler to participate in next week’s mandatory minicamp.

Ekeler sought permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason but the club recently added $1.75 million in incentives for this season, when he is slated to earn $6.25 million in base pay. Ekeler is slated to become a free agent after the season when his four-year, $24.5 million deal concludes.

“It’s best for everybody,” Staley said. “It’s best for him and best for us because you want to get joined up so that you can go have a productive training camp and really formulate your team and your identity going into the season.”

New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has raved about Ekeler’s fit in his offense. Ekeler led the NFL with 18 total touchdowns (13 rushing, five receiving) last season and tied for the league high of 20 with Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.

Ekeler rushed for 915 yards last season as well as establishing career highs for receptions (107) and receiving yardage (722).

–Field Level Media

Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a wild card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers QB Justin Herbert to throw in ‘next couple of weeks’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert expects to resume throwing this month as part of the next phase of his recovery from left shoulder surgery in January.

Herbert, who had a torn labrum, continues to actively participate in voluntary workouts, primarily on rehabilitation and mobility exercises with trainers. He hasn’t thrown the ball — or participated in his beloved disc golf — since last season ended in a dramatic loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild card playoff round.

“It’s a pretty long process. Kind of expecting to be a five or six-month recovery and being on the lead [throwing] shoulder, it’s kind of tough throwing, golfing and doing all those things that are kind of explosive movements,” Herbert said, estimating his progress to full health at 75 percent. “I’ve done everything I can to rehab to get good movement back in it, strengthen it back up. But I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy journey back. Just doing everything I can to be back.”

Herbert plans to attempt light throwing in the “next couple of weeks,” he said.

General manager Tom Telesco said last week the Chargers are working with Herbert’s reps on a long-term extension, but there are no signs of urgency. Los Angeles picked up Herbert’s fully guaranteed fifth-year option for the 2024 season before Tuesday’s deadline, which buys the franchise more time to plot for the future.

“I think that’s probably a better question for my agent and the front office,” Herbert said of extension talks. “I’m kind of left out of those negotiations and I think my job now, my focus, is to be the best quarterback that I could be and to rehab my shoulder. Make sure that I could be back for these OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and do everything I can in the building,” Herbert added. “As far as (contracts are) concerned, I wish I could give you a better answer.”

The NFL might be looking for a better answer from Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley regarding Herbert’s shoulder injury that led to surgery but didn’t receive mention on the injury report for the wild-card game. He was listed on the Week 18 injury report with a shoulder injury.

Herbert, who turned 25 in March, had 25 touchdown passes in 2022 while setting career-bests for completions (477), attempts (699) and completion percentage (68.2). Herbert said he’s working with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to be ready when he’s fully cleared to be on the field.

“I think you get as much as you can in the classroom, the walkthroughs, all of the different components to that thing,” Moore said. “Obviously, there will be some field work that Justin may not be able to be a part of — as much as he would want to, we would all want to, but we’ll catch up with it. We have plenty of time through the training camp and all of that.”

–Field Level Media