Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert on the Mend Ahead of Wild-Card Game
As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare to face the New England Patriots in the upcoming wild-card game, quarterback Justin Herbert is making steady progress in his recovery from a fractured left hand. Herbert, who suffered the injury in Week 13, had been taking precautions to avoid exacerbating the condition, including sitting out of the team’s last game against the Denver Broncos.
According to Herbert, the decision to rest his hand has proven beneficial, allowing him to regain strength and reduce swelling. “I’d say definitely not taking hits on it last week was probably pretty helpful,” Herbert said in a recent interview. “It limited kind of the swelling and just getting back to making sure that you have got full strength, being able to hold onto a football.”
One of the primary challenges Herbert has faced since the injury is taking snaps under center and gripping the football with his left hand. However, during Wednesday’s practice, Herbert took under-center snaps for the first time since the fracture, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. “I would say that I was able to do most everything out there,” Herbert said of the practice session. “It’s just making sure I can grip on the ball and have two hands on it in the pocket…. So I think that’s been good.”
Previous Matchup Against the Patriots
It’s been over a year since the Chargers last faced the Patriots, securing a 40-7 victory on the road. In that game, Herbert threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey had eight catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. However, Herbert notes that the current Patriots team, under the guidance of first-year coach Mike Vrabel, bears little resemblance to the team they faced last season. “They’re not the same team they were last year,” Herbert said. “… You turn on the tape and you see a completely different team.”
The Patriots have indeed undergone a significant transformation, with a surprising turnaround this season that has earned them the AFC’s No. 2 seed and a three-game win streak heading into the postseason. As the Chargers prepare to face this revamped team, they may be without one of their key players, running back Omarion Hampton, who is nursing an ankle injury. Hampton sat out practice on Wednesday and did not practice all of last week, leaving his status for the upcoming game uncertain. “He’s doing everything and anything he can to get back,” coach Jim Harbaugh said.
Looking Ahead to the Wild-Card Game
Despite the challenges they may face, the Chargers are focused on their upcoming matchup against the Patriots. With Herbert’s continued progress and the team’s determination, they are poised to put up a strong fight in the wild-card game. As the postseason gets underway, the Chargers will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses in order to advance to the next round. With a solid game plan and a bit of luck, they may be able to pull off a victory against the Patriots and continue their journey in the playoffs.
