Justin Herbert is the latest QB done in by injury

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will miss the remainder of the 2023 regular season after undergoing surgery on a fractured right index finger, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Herbert exited during the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos with a finger injury. He was replaced by Easton Stick, who is expected to retain starting duties for Thursday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Herbert injury is the cherry on top of an underwhelming Chargers season. Los Angeles’ 24-7 loss to Denver was the team’s fourth loss in five games, dragging them down to a 5-8 record. While the Chargers offense improved under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, it hasn’t been enough to bail out one of the league’s worst defenses. Los Angeles ranks 25th in defensive EPA/Play following Sunday’s loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers fourth-year quarterback also joins a shockingly long list of starting signal-callers who have missed time due to injury. Aaron Rodgers was knocked out for the season on his fourth play in a Jets uniform. Fellow 2020 draft class alum Joe Burrow missed time for multiple injuries over the course of the season. Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, Justin Fields, and Derek Carr have also missed time with injuries.

The injury bug has also specifically bitten the Chargers offense this season. Running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Josh Palmer have missed stretches, while wide receiver Mike Williams was ruled out for the season with an ACL tear.