Justin Herbert's Surgery News Shakes the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers’ already fragile playoff hopes suffered a devastating blow this week when the team announced that star quarterback Justin Herbert will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. The news, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday morning and later confirmed by the Chargers’ official statement, sent shockwaves through the organization, fanbase, and the entire NFL. Herbert, who has been the face of the franchise since being drafted No. 6 overall in 2020, had played through shoulder discomfort for much of the season but aggravated the injury in last Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos. For a Chargers team clinging to a 7-8 record and a slim chance at the AFC wildcard, Herbert’s absence effectively ends their 2024 campaign—and raises questions about the team’s long-term planning and injury management. Justin Herbert's Surgery News Shakes the Los Angeles Chargers breaks down the details of the injury, the implications for the Chargers’ present and future, and the reaction from players, coaches, and analysts.

Justin Herbert's Surgery News Shakes the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the timeline of Herbert’s shoulder injury—a issue that has lingered longer than many fans realized and finally reached a breaking point. According to sources close to the team, Herbert first injured his left shoulder (his non-throwing arm) during a Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, when he was hit while scrambling out of the pocket. He underwent initial imaging at the time, which revealed a mild labral tear, but opted for conservative treatment—rest, physical therapy, and pain management—to avoid missing games. The Chargers’ medical staff cleared him to play, and Herbert continued to put up elite numbers: through 15 games, he’s thrown for 4,187 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, keeping the team in playoff contention. However, the injury worsened in Week 16 against the Broncos, when a late hit by Broncos defensive end Baron Browning forced Herbert to leave the game early. Follow-up MRI results showed the tear had widened, and after consulting with multiple specialists, Herbert and the team decided surgery was the only viable option to prevent long-term damage. “Justin is one of the toughest players I’ve ever coached—he played through pain that would have sidelined most quarterbacks,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said in a press conference. “But we can’t risk his health for one more game. This surgery is about making sure he’s back to 100% for 2025 and beyond.”

A key part of understanding the impact of Herbert’s surgery is the immediate reaction from the Chargers’ locker room—a mix of disappointment, frustration, and resolve to finish the season strong for their absent leader. After the news was announced, the team held a closed-door meeting where several veterans spoke about honoring Herbert’s effort by competing hard in the final game of the season (against the Kansas City Chiefs). Running back Austin Ekeler, who has played with Herbert since 2020, described the news as “heartbreaking” but emphasized the team’s responsibility to keep fighting. “Justin has given everything for this team—he’s played through injuries, he’s led us through tough times, and he’s never made excuses,” Ekeler said. “We can’t fold now. We need to go out there and play for him, for ourselves, and for the fans. It won’t be easy without him, but we owe it to everyone to finish the season with pride.” Defensive end Joey Bosa, another long-time teammate, echoed Ekeler’s sentiment, adding that the injury highlights the physical toll of the NFL. “This game is brutal, and sometimes even the toughest guys can’t play through it,” Bosa said. “We’re all hurting for Justin, but we have to focus on what we can control. Our job now is to represent this team the right way in the last game.” The locker room’s reaction also revealed a sense of unity—unusual for a team that has faced criticism for locker room division in recent years—suggesting Herbert’s leadership has fostered a stronger bond among players.

A critical aspect of Justin Herbert's Surgery News Shakes the Los Angeles Chargers is the Chargers’ plan at quarterback for the final game—and how the team will evaluate its backup options for next season, a decision that carries huge weight for the Los Angeles Chargers. With Herbert out, the Chargers will turn to backup Easton Stick, a fourth-year player who has appeared in just 11 games in his career (with zero starts) and has thrown only 19 career passes. Stick, who was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State, has spent his entire career learning behind Herbert and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s system, but he lacks the game experience to replicate Herbert’s production. The Chargers also elevated rookie quarterback Max Duggan from the practice squad to serve as Stick’s backup, giving them a second option if Stick struggles or gets injured. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this final game will be a crucial evaluation period for Stick: if he performs well against the Chiefs’ top-ranked defense, he could earn consideration as a long-term backup—or even a potential trade chip. If he struggles, the team will likely look to add a veteran quarterback in free agency or the draft to provide stability behind Herbert. “Easton has worked extremely hard for this opportunity,” Staley said. “He knows our system inside and out, and he’s earned the trust of our coaching staff and his teammates. We’re confident he’ll give us a chance to win on Sunday.”

Another important angle of Herbert’s surgery is the long-term implications for the Chargers’ franchise—a topic that has sparked intense debate among analysts and fans about the Los Angeles Chargers’ roster construction and injury prevention. Herbert, who signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension in 2022 (making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history), is under contract with the Chargers through 2027, so his health is the single most important factor in the team’s success over the next four seasons. The surgery itself is considered relatively low-risk: most NFL players who undergo labrum repair on their non-throwing shoulder return to full strength within 4-6 months, meaning Herbert should be ready for training camp next summer. However, the injury has raised questions about the Chargers’ offensive line, which has allowed 34 sacks this season (10th most in the NFL) and has failed to protect Herbert consistently. Critics argue that the team’s failure to invest in offensive line depth—despite repeated injuries to starters—put Herbert at unnecessary risk. “The Chargers have known for years that their offensive line is a weakness, but they’ve prioritized other positions instead,” said ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. “Justin Herbert is a special talent, but even he can’t avoid injuries if he’s getting hit as much as he has been. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this surgery should be a wake-up call: they need to rebuild their offensive line this offseason to protect their most valuable asset.” The Chargers’ front office, led by general manager Tom Telesco, has already acknowledged the need to improve the line, but Herbert’s injury will likely make it their top priority in 2025.

Wrapping up Justin Herbert's Surgery News Shakes the Los Angeles Chargers is the broader impact of the news on the NFL landscape—and what it means for the Chargers’ legacy with Herbert at the helm. Herbert’s absence ends the Chargers’ playoff hopes, but it also opens the door for other teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos to secure the final AFC wildcard spot. Beyond the 2024 season, the surgery raises expectations for the Chargers’ 2025 campaign: with Herbert back healthy, a revamped offensive line, and potential additions in free agency, the team will be expected to compete for a division title and a deep playoff run. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this moment is a test of their organization’s resilience—can they turn a devastating setback into an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen the team around their franchise quarterback? Herbert himself has already expressed optimism about his recovery and his future with the team. “I’m disappointed to miss the final game and the chance to help this team make the playoffs, but I know this surgery is the right decision for my long-term health,” Herbert said in a statement released by the Chargers. “I’m going to work as hard as possible to come back stronger than ever, and I can’t wait to get back on the field with my teammates next season.” Justin Herbert's Surgery News Shakes the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that in the NFL, even the most promising seasons can be derailed by injury—but for teams with elite talent like Herbert, the future remains bright if they make the right moves to protect and support their stars. Only time will tell if the Chargers learn from this experience, but one thing is clear: Justin Herbert’s health will continue to be the defining factor in the franchise’s success for years to come.