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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was a consensus top-three quarterback in fantasy drafts before the season.
Herbert has been elite as expected over his first two games of the season, throwing six touchdowns to one interception. He did not emerge from a Week 2 loss to the Chiefs unscathed, however, as he injured his ribs on a big hit during the second half. Herbert's status for Week 3 against the Jaguars is now up in the air.
This leaves fantasy managers concerned about the status of their QB1. Is Herbert injured? Will he play in Week 3? Let's take a look!
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Justin Herbert Injury Updates for Fantasy Football
Update (9/24): Herbert got in a limited practice on Wednesday, was spotted throwing on Thursday, but did not practice on Friday. He is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Fantasy managers rostering Herbert will want to make sure they have a backup option available in case he doesn't play.
Herbert was in visible pain after taking a big hit late in the fourth quarter. He missed just one play before returning to the field but was spotted wincing in pain on several occasions. He went for X-rays following the game Sunday and later had a CT scan.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who was down on the field after a shot to the ribs, is back in the game. #breathe
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2022
Following the testing, he was diagnosed with fractured rib cartilage. Head coach Brandon Staley has since downplayed the injury, with Staley leaving the door open for his star quarterback to possibly return to practice this week.
When Staley was asked if he thought Herbert would be available for Week 3, Staley stated, "I think we got good news in terms of what the CT scan expressed. So that's good news. I think playing quarterback, you don't want it to be to the bones. The fact that its cartilage is a good sign."
According to Brandon Staley, Justin Herbert is day-to-day with fractured rib cartilage. C Corey Linsley should be back to practice next week. T Trey Pipkins is also day-to-day.
— Chris Hayre (@chrishayre) September 16, 2022
Is Justin Herbert Injured or Playing in Week 3?
More light will be shed on Herbert's injury status once the Chargers begin preparing for Week 3. Herbert's practice participation from Wednesday through Friday will be an excellent indication as to whether he will be able to suit up on Sunday.
The optimism that Staley has expressed definitely gives some hope that the third-year signal caller will be able to take the field, although the Chargers could opt to play it conservatively against a Jaguars team that they could probably beat with backup Chase Daniel under center.
The long turnaround time also helps as the Chargers haven't played since Thursday, September 15. The extra few days give Herbert a chance to heal up a bit more and figure out a pain-management regimen. Fantasy gamers counting on Herbert will want to keep a close eye on practice reports throughout the week. If Herbert can at least get in a limited session by Friday, he should be on track to play.
Keep checking back as we will update this space as more information becomes available.
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