Justin Herbert avoids broken finger as Chargers look to end losing streak

Good news for Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert avoided a serious injury to his left hand. X-rays on his injured middle finger showed no fracture. The finger is on his hand that he does not use for throwing.

Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the update on Monday. He told reporters that the imaging came back negative, so he should be good to go.

Herbert suffered the injury during Sunday's 44-22 loss to the Houston Texans. He left the game in the fourth quarter. Herbert said he wanted to stay in the game, but Harbaugh said he made the choice to keep him on the sidelines.

A tough game against Houston

The match against Houston was difficult for the quarterback. Herbert was sacked eight times during the game, which is a career high for him.

He also threw his 11th interception of the season. That ties him with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye for the most interceptions in the NFL.

Before he exited the game, Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston on a catch and run of 58 yards in the fourth quarter. That play finally gave the team a touchdown.

Ending the long scoring drought

That fourth quarter score ended a long dry spell for the Chargers. The team had gone nearly a month without scoring a touchdown.

The Chargers went 12 straight quarters and 37 offensive drives without a touchdown dating back to Oct. 11. That was the most consecutive drives without a touchdown since the 2024 Miami Dolphins went 30 straight drives without finding the end zone. The NFL record belongs to the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, who went 61 drives without a touchdown.

Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures

With the touchdown drought over, the Chargers must focus on stopping a long losing streak. They are sitting on an 0-8 record after losing 11 straight games dating back to last season. It is the longest losing streak for the franchise since they started 0-11 in 2000.

The Chargers now prepare to travel to face the 4-5 Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football in Week 10. They will then return home to play against the 2-7 New York Jets in Week 11.