Chargers Gear Up for Wild Card Clash With Herbert Healthy Amid Injuries

The Los Angeles Chargers enter Sunday night’s AFC Wild Card matchup against New England carrying a list of injuries that has drawn considerable attention. While the offensive line has been a major concern, quarterback Justin Herbert’s fractured hand has become the focal point of media coverage and team preparation.

Herbert, who injured his non-throwing hand in late November against the Las Vegas Raiders, has played through persistent pain and swelling over the past several weeks. The injury had limited his ability to take snaps under center, forcing adjustments to the Chargers’ offensive schemes.

This week of practice has brought encouraging signs for Los Angeles. Herbert participated fully on Wednesday, taking snaps under center for the first time since the injury and telling reporters that his hand “feels as good as it has since it was first hurt.” He credited the team’s cautious management last week, which kept him from taking hits and allowed swelling to subside.

Beyond Herbert, the Chargers are still coping with other injuries. Running back Omarion Hampton and linebacker Bud Dupree both missed practice with an ankle and hamstring injury, respectively, leaving some uncertainty about the team’s depth heading into the postseason.

1. Herbert’s Recovery and Readiness

Herbert’s fractured non-throwing hand has been a nagging concern throughout the final stretch of the regular season. Though it is his non-throwing hand, the injury affected his ability to take snaps, execute play-action, and handle the ball cleanly under center. Wednesday marked a significant milestone, as Herbert was able to fully participate in drills and take traditional snaps for the first time since the injury. “Not taking hits on it last week was probably pretty helpful,” Herbert said, noting that avoiding contact helped limit swelling and discomfort. The Chargers’ coaching staff has been cautious with Herbert, balancing the need for postseason preparation with protecting their franchise quarterback from further aggravation. His participation under center this week signals growing confidence in his durability heading into a high-stakes playoff game. Herbert’s health will be pivotal if Los Angeles hopes to overcome the challenges posed by New England’s defense, particularly given the team’s injury-depleted offensive line. A fully functioning quarterback increases the chances of keeping the offense effective despite other absences.

2. Injuries Across the Roster

While Herbert’s hand is trending in the right direction, the Chargers have additional concerns. Running back Omarion Hampton missed practice with an ankle injury, raising questions about his availability and effectiveness in the postseason. Linebacker Bud Dupree also sat out practice due to a hamstring issue, limiting depth and rotational options in the pass rush. Other offensive linemen have been limited in practice throughout the week, continuing to expose a vulnerability in protection schemes. These injuries could impact both the running game and pass protection, forcing Los Angeles to adjust game plans and rely on younger or less experienced players in critical positions. Despite these challenges, the Chargers’ coaching staff remains optimistic about the team’s ability to execute if Herbert can stay upright. Even with the offensive line concerns, Herbert’s mobility and quick release could help mitigate pressure, giving the Chargers a chance to move the ball against a Patriots defense that has historically struggled to generate consistent quarterback pressure.

3. Patriots’ Health and Team Dynamics

The New England Patriots enter the Wild Card game largely healthy, with no major injuries reported among starters. This gives them a strategic advantage in terms of depth and rotational flexibility on both sides of the ball. However, the team has been dealing with an illness circulating through the locker room, which could affect energy levels, practice intensity, and overall readiness heading into the postseason. Coaches and medical staff have been monitoring the situation closely to limit the impact on game day. The Patriots’ defense, while intact, will face the challenge of containing Herbert and navigating the Chargers’ offensive schemes, particularly if Herbert’s hand continues to heal and the offensive line manages to hold up under pressure. Ultimately, both teams face a mix of physical challenges and strategic adjustments, with health, execution, and in-game adaptability likely to determine the outcome of Sunday’s AFC Wild Card showdown.