Los Angeles Chargers rookie Justin Herbert was the surprise starting quarterback during the team's Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and he will have another shot to earn his first win in Week 3.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Herbert has been named the starter for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers with Tyrod Taylor still hurting due to a chest ailment.
Sources: #Chargers rookie QB Justin Herbert is expected to start on Sunday vs the #Panthers, his second straight start in place of Tyrod Taylor (chest). Herbert impressed last week on short notice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2020
Herbert started in place of Taylor this past Sunday when the veteran began suffering from chest pains after receiving a pregame injection.
Reports surfaced Wednesday suggesting L.A.'s team doctor accidentally punctured one of Taylor's lungs upon administering the injection. As such, it appears Taylor is week-to-week with the injury.
Herbert got the call on short notice last weekend, but will have more time to prepare for his second start. The former Oregon standout performed well in his debut, throwing for 311 yards and a touchdown while averaging 9.4 yards gained per pass attempt and rushing for another score.
However, Herbert also missed some easy throws to Keenan Allen and Hunter Henry on a potential scoring drive, and Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said “he's a backup for a reason” when asked about Herbert's play against the Chiefs.
"There’s a lot we didn’t get done with Justin on the field yesterday. He’s a backup for a reason…" — Anthony Lynn on Justin Herbert
These are some strong words 😳
Read: https://t.co/dMcvvGJrfq pic.twitter.com/wYg6byoyJn
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) September 22, 2020
Of course, in light of the Taylor news, it is possible Lynn was merely navigating the awkward circumstances of the change under center.
In any case, Herbert will have another opportunity to get on the board with a win against the Panthers, who are 0-2 to start the year and have also allowed 65 points in their first two games.