The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes about how the Chargers are smart for sitting Justin Herbert on Sunday.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will be rested Sunday against the Denver Broncos, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced during his Monday afternoon press conference.
Harbaugh said Herbert will be joined by other players, though that list will be finalized later in the week, particularly among those dealing with nagging injuries.
“The guys that have the most bruises and need the most healing, we’ll pull them back. Justin Herbert would be one,” Harbaugh told reporters Monday. “We’ll see how the rest of the week goes with who all they are. They’ll be some situations where some starters are backups.”
It’s a smart move by Harbaugh, especially with Herbert having been sacked 54 times and hit 129 times this season, and with the Broncos’ defense looming.
The Chargers still have a chance to secure the No. 5 seed if they win and Houston loses to the Indianapolis Colts. If the Buffalo Bills beat the New York Jets, the Texans win and the Chargers lose, Houston would earn the fifth seed, Buffalo the sixth, and the Chargers would slide to the seventh.
Harbaugh emphasized that the decision to sit players Sunday is about health, not playoff positioning.
“Health and winning. That’s it,” Harbaugh said. “There’s no way to predict. We’re going on the road, first round. All potential teams would be good, and we’ll get ourselves ready for that.”
With Herbert sidelined, Trey Lance will make his sixth career start as an NFL quarterback. Harbaugh also announced the team will elevate undrafted quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has been with the team since after the NFL Draft, to serve as the backup.
Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune
Trey Lance #5 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws on the run during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on August 10, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
Despite being a former third overall pick, it’s notable that Sunday will be only Lance’s sixth career start. The matchup presents a valuable opportunity for him to put more film on tape.
“I just think he needs the opportunity to play and start and go out and show what he can do,” Harbaugh said.
Resting Herbert allows him time to recover ahead of the postseason, eliminating the risk of exposing him to Denver’s pass rush. Herbert has been sacked five or more times in five games this season.
He finishes the regular season with 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a career-high 498 rushing yards.
Harbaugh could also consider resting veterans such as Derwin James, Khalil Mack, Jamaree Salyer, Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey and Omarion Hampton, with the playoffs right around the corner.
“As Bobby (Hart) put it, he said, ‘One game doesn't define us, but soon it will,’” Harbaugh said.
Category: General Sports
