Justin Herbert out for the Season Following Surgery on Fractured Index Finger

Former Oregon Quarterback underwent surgery Tuesday for a fractured right index finger.

Justin Herbert is going through a rough year.

The Los Angeles Chargers have shut down the former Oregon Ducks quarterback after suffering a fractured right index finger against the Denver Broncos, the team announced on Tuesday. Herbert underwent a season-ending surgery and miss the final four games of the season. 

injury update: justin herbert will undergo surgery today to repair a fracture to his right index finger.

he will be placed on injured reserve.

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 12, 2023

Easton Stick will take over as the starter, making his first NFL start Thursday night against the Raiders in Las Vegas. He was a fifth-round pick in 2019 from North Dakota State and had only played two regular season snaps before Herbert’s injury on Sunday.

Herbert wasn’t able to return to Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos after being tackled by defensive end Zach Allen late in the first half. He exited the game with 96 passing yards, one interception and was sacked four times.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton / © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert throws a pass against the Denver Broncos / © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos / © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles is second only to the Baltimore Ravens in sacks per game, averaging 3.3 per game and giving up a total of 31 sacks on the year.

Herbert finishes his season throwing for 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns during a turbulent year for the Chargers. Herbert lost two receivers, Mike Williams and Josh Palmer, to season-ending injuries en route to a 5-8 record and being tied with the Raiders for last place in the AFC West.

Ending Herbert’s season was the best move for the Chargers, as Los Angeles at best was on the outside looking in for a spot in the Wild Card. Los Angeles is also on track to have the worst season under Herbert since his rookie year in 2020 when the Chargers finished 7-9.

Herbert’s health is the most important factor going forward for Los Angeles as he signed a five-year contract extension worth $262.5 this past offseason.

He'll end his streak of 63 consecutive starts, the longest streak for a Chargers quarterback since Phillip Rivers’ record of 240.

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