Chargers Prioritize Health Over Playoff Seeding
After securing a playoff spot last week, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers have made their priorities clear for the final regular-season game.
As they prepare to face the Broncos on Sunday, the team has decided to prioritize player health over securing a wild-card position.
In a press conference on Monday, Coach Harbaugh confirmed that star quarterback Justin Herbert will not participate in the upcoming game. The match is set to kick off at 1:00 PM PT at Mile High Stadium in Denver.
Trey Lance will take over as the starting quarterback, while DJ Uiagalelei is set to be elevated from the practice squad to serve as a backup. Although the game may lack significance for the Chargers, a win could determine the Broncos’ chances of clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
“It’s all about health and winning,” Harbaugh stated. “There’s no way to anticipate what will happen next. We’ll face strong teams in the first round and need to be ready.”
Herbert suffered a fracture in his non-throwing left hand during the Chargers’ Week 13 matchup against the Raiders on November 30. Despite undergoing surgery, he made a swift return just eight days later, playing against the Eagles. He hasn’t missed a game since but has been wearing a protective cast and glove.
Analysts might argue that Herbert deserves a spot in the MVP conversation, yet sitting out Sunday’s game seems to be a wise decision for the team. He has experienced challenges throughout the season, especially with the offensive line being less than ideal.
Entering the season, the Chargers were touted for having one of the league’s best tackle duos, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alto. Unfortunately, Slater suffered a torn patella tendon early on and was sidelined for the entire season. Although Alto stepped up after shifting to the left side, he too sustained a season-ending high ankle sprain during a matchup against the Titans.
Herbert won’t be the only key player absent from Sunday’s game. Harbaugh mentioned that several other starters, who are “the most bruised,” are also unlikely to play.
The upcoming game could have been pivotal for the Chargers, had they secured a win against the Texans the previous weekend. However, they fell short, losing 20-16.
A victory against the Texans would have transformed the Chargers-Broncos finale into a showdown for the AFC West title and potential top seed in the playoffs.
Now, with little at stake, Harbaugh has emphasized the importance of heading into the playoffs in good health rather than just aiming for a wild-card seeding.
If the Bills and Patriots secure wins as anticipated on Sunday, Los Angeles is set to travel east for a first-round playoff matchup against the Patriots.
