Justin Herbert is ready to take on the challenge posed by the Houston Texans this Saturday, despite dealing with the aftermath of a hand injury. The Texans were the team that handed the Los Angeles Chargers a painful defeat in the playoffs last season, leaving a lasting impression on Herbert.
In the days following his hand surgery, tying shoelaces became a daunting task for Herbert. The cast on his non-throwing hand served as a constant reminder of the injury he sustained during a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 30. That injury, caused by a helmet hitting his hand, required immediate surgery.
Despite not being at his best since the injury, Herbert has led the Chargers to four consecutive victories, including two against last season”s Super Bowl teams. “The days went on, and as I got better and more mobile, it felt a bit better, so that”s also a positive,” Herbert stated earlier this week.
His performance has notably improved, as he raised his yards-per-pass attempt from 5.3 to 7.2. Following a challenging game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he recorded a completion percentage of only 46.2%, he bounced back with a 65.5% completion rate against the Kansas City Chiefs. In a recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, Herbert achieved a passer rating of 132.8, his best since December 2021, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a decisive 34-17 win.
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston praised Herbert”s resilience, noting, “To me, that”s just a test of the type of person, type of player he is. I would rather be with nobody else but him.” Johnston made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch during the Cowboys game, contributing significantly to the team”s success.
As the Chargers prepare for their matchup against the Texans at SoFi Stadium, Herbert has the opportunity to confront his playoff shortcomings. Last season, in a wild-card playoff game against the Texans, he endured a career-low performance, throwing four interceptions in a 32-12 loss that left him 0-2 in playoff games.
“No one felt worse than I did,” Herbert reflected on that game. “It”s important to continue to move forward and realize that it happened. It would be crazy to deny the truth of what happened.” With aspirations for the AFC West title and the top playoff seed, the Chargers must continue winning. If they secure a victory over the Texans and then defeat the Denver Broncos in Week 18, they will clinch the division. Additionally, the Chargers need the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots to lose at least once to secure the No. 1 seed.
Although coach Jim Harbaugh emphasizes a one-game-at-a-time approach, the Chargers” defense is motivated by Herbert”s determination. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack commented, “It”s a hell of a statement he”s making throughout the building, and everybody can feel it.”
