Justin Herbert Injury Update: When is the Chargers QB expected to make the return?

NEW DELHI: In a significant blow to the Los Angeles Chargers' playoff aspirations, star quarterback Justin Herbert will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. The team announced Tuesday that Herbert is set to undergo surgery to repair a broken right index finger on his throwing hand. As a result, Herbert will be placed on injured reserve, concluding his streak of 62 consecutive starts, which is the second-longest active streak among quarterbacks, trailing only Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills (84).With four games left on the schedule, Easton Stick will step into the role of starting quarterback for the Chargers (5-8), who are currently in 12th place in the AFC. The team faces the Las Vegas Raiders (5-8) on Thursday, aiming to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.Herbert's injury occurred during Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos when he left the contest in the second quarter after an incomplete pass on fourth-and-2 at the Broncos' 29-yard line. Despite initial hopes of a return, the Chargers ruled Herbert out as he was unable to continue. In the game, Herbert completed 9 of 17 passes for 96 yards and an interception.This marks Herbert's second finger injury of the season, having fractured a finger on his left hand in Week 4 but managing to avoid missing any starts. In 13 games this season, Herbert has thrown for 3,134 yards with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions.Since being drafted with the No. 6 overall pick in 2020, Herbert has accumulated a 30-32 record as a starter, showcasing his prowess with 66.6 percent completion, 17,223 passing yards, 114 touchdowns, and 42 interceptions. He earned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year accolade in 2020 and made the Pro Bowl in 2021.In the absence of Herbert, Stick, 28, will take charge as the starting quarterback. Selected by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Stick has appeared in two career games, completing 14 of 25 passes for 183 yards.