In the middle of an alarming slide late in the season that has their NFC East title hopes slipping away, the Philadelphia Eagles need every win they can get. Their Week 14 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers had the potential to be an easy victory, with L.A. quarterback Justin Herbert dealing with a left hand injury that required surgery earlier in the week.
But, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Herbert is on track to play in Week 14.
The update shifts this game from a much-needed opportunity to dominate to a neck-and-neck battle.
Ian Rapoport’s Justin Herbert injury update will have Eagles fans groaning
Rapoport hopped on Good Morning Football on Thursday to update the football world on a few injured stars. He spent a significant amount of time detailing Herbert’s progress.
“On Monday, Justin Herbert had surgery to repair a metacarpal fracture in his left hand. He told reporters yesterday that it was a plate and screws put into his left hand to help stabilize the fracture. Initially, after the injury, Herbert said he planned on playing. A couple days after the surgery, he reiterated he does anticipate being on the field. Jim Harbaugh, his coach, describing himself as optimistic. Now, Herbert did not practice yesterday, but he is expected to practice either today or tomorrow, ramping up with hopes of being on the field.”
Rapoport went on to compare Herbert’s injury to one that Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen sustained last season. Allen broke his non-throwing hand early in the 2024 campaign, but played through the injury, eventually winning the MVP award.
The Chargers, much like the Eagles, are in the middle of a playoff push. If Herbert is close to being fully healthy by Monday, he’ll likely be on the field. If not, backup Trey Lance would take his place. Lance played for a short stretch last week while Herbert was sidelined.
This game is crucial for the Eagles. If Herbert is on the field, Philadelphia’s defense will be faced with the difficult task of slowing down one of the league’s most prolific passers. Without Jalen Carter on the field, the job becomes even more daunting.
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The Eagles’ depleted defense will have to bring their A-game to give their underperforming offense a chance to outscore Herbert and the Chargers. If they don’t, this could end up being another frustrating watch for Eagles fans.