What It Means:

Whether or not Herbert will return this season is likely to be determined by the outcome of his scheduled surgery according to Schefter. The star suffered a fracture to the index finger of his throwing hand, making it a near impossible injury for a quarterback to play through. With the Chargers' season circling the drain, it's possible the team shuts him down for the remainder of the year.

Herbert battled to bring the Chargers to a 5-8 record this year, operating without most of his primary pass-catchers for much of the year. With 2023 all but over, Herbert could start shifting his focus towards the 2024 campaign. If his season is over, he'll finish it with 3,134 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.