Justin Herbert's fractured left hand might not keep him from playing in Week 14.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh sounded optimistic regarding Herbert's outlook when speaking with reporters Wednesday as Los Angeles (8-4) prepares to host the Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) on Monday Night Football, stating his team is preparing as if Herbert will start.
"We're optimistic that that's going to be the case," Harbaugh said.
Herbert suffered the injury in the Chargers' win over the Raiders, exiting the game briefly before returning to finish the 31-14 triumph and appearing largely unbothered by his left hand. He later underwent surgery to fix the injury.
Herbert would not practice in a traditional sense, Harbaugh explained, but will be on the field for Los Angeles' first session of the week. Backup Trey Lance -- who temporarily filled in for Herbert in Week 13 -- took all of the first-team reps on Wednesday.
Herbert told reporters following Wednesday's session that a metal plate and a few screws were inserted into his hand during Monday's procedure. Herbert reiterated his stance from Sunday that his play to prepare to play in Monday's game, however, they will have to see how his swelling goes over the next few days.
Ultimately, the Chargers will need to complete the full week of preparation before fully knowing whether Herbert can play. But as of now, it sounds as if the injury to his non-throwing hand might not keep him out of action at all, good news for a Chargers team battling through the thick of the AFC playoff race.
