There's "optimism" Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) will be able to play vs. the Steelers today, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Herbert only got in a limited practice on Thursday this week as he battles what he said is a high-ankle sprain. ESPN's Adam Schefter hears that Herbert is "preparing to play" today but that a final decision won't come until pregame warmups. Schefter adds that the Chargers will likely have Herbert and QBs Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke active. We'll get Los Angeles' inactives around 11:30 am ET, but Herbert is not a recommended starter in any fantasy leagues this week.
Multiple reports have indicated that Chargers WR Keenan Allen (heel) has been ruled out for Saturday's Week 16 contest vs. the Bills. The veteran wideout also sat out in Week 15 due to this ailment and hasn't practiced at any point in the past two weeks. Fortunately, fantasy managers have the advanced notice to be able to make alternative lineup choices. Allen's next opportunity to play comes on New Year's Eve for Week 17's showdown vs. the Broncos.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert will miss the rest of the season after fracturing the index finger in his right (throwing) hand, according to multiple reports. That leaves fifth-year QB Easton Stick to pilot the offense over the final four games. Stick has been with the Chargers since they drafted him in Round 5 back in 2019, but he had attempted just one regular season pass before Sunday. Stick went a forgettable 13 of 24 passing for 179 yards after taking over against the Broncos, throwing no TDs or INTs but fumbling twice (losing one). His 2023 preseason also proved unimpressive, including a 60.3% completion rate, 5.2 yards per pass attempt, 1 TD, 2 INTs, and a 9.0% sack rate. The QB situation obviously downgrades everyone on the Chargers' offense. WR Keenan Allen should remain usable. Stick targeted Allen on 37.5% of his attempts against Denver. He threw another 20.8% toward RB Austin Ekeler, the only other Chargers offensive piece you should still consider using. WRs Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer and TE Gerald Everett look droppable for other options. Herbert should have plenty of time to recover ahead of the 2024 season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that Chargers QB Justin Herbert (finger) is not expected to play vs. the Raiders on Thursday night. Herbert is consulting with Dr. Steven Shin to determine exactly how long he'll be sidelined with his fractured right index finger, Schefter adds. We should get a timeline for Herbert's return within the next 24 hours. QB Easton Stick will start on Thursday night -- and likely beyond.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert fractured his right index finger in Sunday's loss to the Broncos, HC Brandon Staley said afterward. "Given where we are in the season, a fracture could mean his season is over," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted. We should get more details on Herbert's status on Monday, but the 5-8 Chargers have no reason to rush Herbert back. QB Easton Stick will take over for however long Herbert is out. The 2019 fifth-round pick had one regular-season pass attempt before going 13-of-24 for 179 yards in relief of Herbert today. Stick is obviously a significant downgrade for this Chargers offense.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert injured his right index finger in the second quarter of Sunday's game vs. the Broncos. He's officially questionable to return. We'll update Herbert's status when we know more. He's been replaced by QB Easton Stick.
Update: Herbert has been ruled out.
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