Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert underwent successful surgery on Monday. He intends to play in his next game against the Eagles. (AP Photo/William Liang)
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Could the Philadelphia Eagles get an early-Christmas gift and face a second-string quarterback in Week 14?
Outlook not so good.
At this point, it looks like the struggling Birds will face Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert — and not his backup — on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
Herbert underwent successful surgery Monday to stabilize a fracture in his left non-throwing hand. The Chargers released a statement that read in part, “Herbert’s return to play is considered day-to-day, and his status for next Monday’s game against Philadelphia will be determined later in the week.”
Even though Herbert’s status remains hazy, it seems like a safe bet that he’ll square up against Philly, considering what he said via the Associated Press prior to the surgery: “I think it’s one of those things where you just stabilize it (and play). I’m not the doctor, unfortunately, but they were hopeful, so I think that’s a good thing.” Herbert was unsure when his hand was broken during a 31-14 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. He played the final three quarters versus Las Vegas with his injured hand in a hard cast while exclusively taking shotgun snaps.
And if the past reveals the future, Herbert will be game-ready versus the Birds after he previously played with a broken middle finger on his left hand in 2023.
But let’s say team doctors insist that Herbert rest one week; then backup QB Trey Lance would step in for the Chargers, who have won four of their last five games. Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft, has started just five games and won two of them. The Eagles got preview of Lance last season in a dominating win at Dallas, when Lance completed 4 of 6 passes for 21 yards and an interception.
Los Angeles doesn’t carry a third quarterback on their 53-man roster but does have undrafted rookie DJ Uiagalelei stashed on their practice squad.
Herbert, who ranks as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, has 2,842 yards passing with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. He’s known for unleashing one of the league’s most powerful arms that can fire nukes like this:
Yes, at the moment, there are more concerning issues for the Eagles than who the opposing QB may be. Philly’s run defense has shown massive cracks, giving 281 rushing yards to the Chicago Bears on Friday. And the Birds’ offense has cratered, averaging 15.5 points per game over their last four games. But all that aside, the Eagles would surely rather face Lance than Herbert and so would their fans.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonystitt/2025/12/02/will-the-eagles-face-chargers-qb-justin-herbert-or-his-backup/
