Chargers vs Raiders injury report: Is Justin Herbert playing in Week 15 clash?

The Los Angeles Chargers signed their quarterback, Justin Herbert, to a whopping five-year, $262.5 million extension this year, including $133.7 million in guaranteed money. After investing such a huge sum in the signal-caller, the team was undoubtedly expecting an incredible season this year.

However, the Chargers are having a lackluster season with a 5-8 record and third spot in the AFC West. Justin has been slammed by the fans and analysts due to his failure to lead well on offense, albeit the situation is getting worse as the team has once again lost to the Denver Broncos in Week 14. The week came up with another blow as Herbert sustained a scary injury in the match.

Is Justin Herbert going to play in Chiefs vs Raiders?

The Chargers Head coach Brandon Staley earlier revealed that Justin Herbert has sustained a fractured index finger on his throwing hand. Amidst the ambiguity surrounding the QB’s return, CBS commentator Matt Ryan, drawing from his extensive experience as a former signal-caller in the league, spoke of the pivotal role of the index finger for a QB’s feel and accuracy. The analyst indicated that a decision regarding Herbert’s participation in the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders would hinge upon further medical evaluations.

Even Staley said Monday morning that the team would wait until those visits were completed before they could reach a decision on the dual-threat’s status for Thursday night’s game.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Chargers star would not be taking the field in the imminent clash with the Raiders. The NFL insider highlighted the QB’s forthcoming consultation with Dr. Steven Shin while reporting the significance of determining the injury’s severity and the subsequent duration of his absence, per Bleacher Report.

Justin Herbert’s injury occurred during the game against the Denver Broncos when he faced a hard hit from Zach Allen, leading to a rough landing on his throwing hand. Despite initially being labeled as questionable to return, the severity of the problem mandated his absence for the remainder of the game.

In the signal-caller’s absence, backup Easton Stick stepped in during the game against the Broncos and is now set to take the reins as the starter against the Raiders. Coach Staley confirmed that rookie Max Duggan would assume the backup role in Stick’s support.

Chargers vs Raiders Week 15 injury report

As the Week 15 showdown between the Chargers and Raiders looms, the updated injury reports from both sides shed light on the potential impact these health issues might have on the game’s outcome.

The Raiders’ defensive lineup faces several setbacks heading into the matchup. Linebacker Curtis Bolton grapples with a groin injury, while defensive tackle Adam Butler and Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby were limited in practice due to ankle and knee injuries. Cornerback Brandon Facyson, despite a shin ailment, managed full participation.

However, key players like star running back Josh Jacobs and center Andre James confront significant setbacks. Jacobs, initially reported with a knee injury, now appears as a non-participant due to a quad problem. James suffered an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming game. The injury list extends with linebacker Kana’i Mauga, who sustained a knee injury after returning from the injured reserve list, joining the non-participant category.

For the Chargers, wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel), Herbert (right finger), and defensive back Deane Leonard (ankle/heel) face uncertainties as non-participants. Tight end Gerald Everett (hip), guard Zion Johnson (ankle), linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (hamstring), defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day (ankle), defensive lineman Nick Williams (shoulder), defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (knee), tight end Donald Parham Jr. (shoulder) were listed as limited participants on Monday.

However, some positive news emerged as well, with notable players such as outside linebacker Justin Hollins (knee), linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder), and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) showing full participation.