The Philadelphia Eagles are running out of chances to secure the top spot in the NFC and hold off a stern challenge from the Dallas Cowboys during their recent sputter, and a game against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football doesn't seem like the type of get-right game they needed.
The Eagles may have been handed a very fortuitous bounce after the Chargers were able to easily dispatch the two-win Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13. It looks like Herbert will either sit out next week's primetime duel or play at far less than 100% health.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh claims Herbert suffered a break in his left hand and will undergo surgery on Monday. While this clouds his availability, Herbert told the media after the win that he is going to prepare for the upcoming week as if he is going to get the start like usual.
Herbert may say that now, but if the Chargers are taking a more long-term view of things, the Eagles may get to face an undermanned LA team without their leader and many of the skill position players who could end up making a difference.
Eagles may not face Justin Herbert on MNF after hand injury
Herbert has thrown for just under 3,000 yards to go along with 21 touchdown passes against 10 interceptions. Those numbers come amid some historically unlucky offensive line injuries, a thin wide receiver room, and a running back room that started their third-stringer in Week 13.
If the Chargers end up putting Herbert on ice for a few games, the Eagles would get to face backup Trey Lance in what would be the biggest start of his pro career. Lance is still a great athlete, but he needs to prove himself as a pocket passer.
Even though the Eagles' offense remains extremely problematic, so much so that it could be very difficult for them to get a ton of long drives going against Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, the defense has been playing some rock-solid football under Vic Fangio, and that should keep Lance in check.
Herbert could make all of these concerns null and void by toughing it out and suiting up against the Eagles, but if he takes the night off and forces Lance into the lineup, Philadelphia fans who have been looking for a get-right game may end up having their prayers answered here.