Justin Herbert injury update: Will Chargers star QB miss games as he needs 'medical procedure' after hand fracture

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert might’ve finished his team’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders after suffering an injury, but there’s no guarantee the superstar won’t miss time soon. The situation turned serious after head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Herbert needs to undergo a “medical procedure” after suffering a broken bone in his left hand, according to ESPN’s Kris Rhim. Harbaugh being Harbaugh, the veteran head coach wouldn't get further into specifics, and that includes whether Herbert needs to miss time.The injury unfolded early. Herbert left the eventual win in the first half, going to the locker room with trainers after injuring the non-throwing hand. He returned with a bulky glove, operated mainly from shotgun, and while the offense lagged at points, he still managed to guide the team to a convincing victory.The moment Herbert stepped up in the pocket in the first quarter, scrambled left, and was then tackled by safety Jeremy Chinn, everything changed. His left hand struck the defender’s helmet, and while Herbert popped up and even threw a touchdown on the very next play, slow-motion replays revealed the tip of his finger bent in a disturbing angle. That was the turning point.He completed 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, even with a compromised hand that looked almost mannequin-like beneath the heavy glove. The Chargers earned a 31-14 victory, their largest margin in this rivalry since 2008, but the price might be steep.The recovery timeline matters. Surgery is immediate, and recovery times after surgery are far less predictable. The Chargers do get a small scheduling advantage with an extended break before hosting Philadelphia on Monday night in Week 14. Still, the looming schedule is unforgiving with matchups against Philadelphia, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston and Denver. They likely need at least two wins to remain in realistic postseason contention.Herbert has taken hits all season without missing time. That streak ended Sunday. Yet even injured, he lifted his team with touchdown connections to Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, supported by Kimani Vidal’s career-high 126 rushing yards. This was a hard-earned AFC West win that also leaves the franchise holding its breath.Herbert fractured his left hand in the win and will undergo surgery Monday, Jim Harbaugh confirmed. The question now is not whether Herbert can play through pain. He has shown he can. It is whether the Chargers can survive what might come next.Also Read: Did Justin Herbert secretly purchase a $25 million estate with Madison Beer? Here’s the real story behind the viral mansion speculation