Chargers QB Justin Herbert (hand) hopes to start vs. Eagles

A broken non-throwing hand might not cost Justin Herbert a start, as the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback hopes to face the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.

Herbert was injured in the opening quarter of the Chargers' 31-14 win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday when Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn hit his left hand. He stayed the game at first, then left briefly before returning.

A day later, Herbert underwent surgery to put a plate and screws in the hand.

Herbert has yet to hold a football since the surgical procedure, and he watched Wednesday as Trey Lance guided the first team.

Still, Herbert said, "The plan is to prepare as if I'm going to play and see how the next couple of days goes. Do everything I can to be out there for the team and the guys out there."

Coach Jim Harbaugh said of the possibility of Herbert being the starter Monday: "We're optimistic that that's going to be the case."

Herbert, 27, has completed 66.9% of his passes this season for 2,842 yards with 21 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. The Chargers (8-4) have won four of their past five games to sit in the top AFC wild-card position.

Since Los Angeles selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, Herbert owns a 49-42 record as a starter. He has connected on 66.5% of his passes, throwing for 23,935 yards and 158 touchdowns with 55 interceptions.

--Field Level Media