Will Justin Herbert play against the Jaguars? [UPDATED]

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was questionable heading into Week 3. Will he play against the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Herbert is the definition of a game-time decision, and was expected to test out his injured ribs during pregame warm-ups before making a final call.

The late window kickoff the Chargers occupied in Week 3 meant that Herbert had a little extra time to heal up and test out his ribs after getting cracked last Thursday against the Chiefs. Herbert, albeit hobbled, remained in that game and nearly led a comeback drive and had one of the most impressive throws a quarterback has had all season long and he did it with a significant rib injury.

That grit wasn’t left behind at Arrowhead, as Herbert is going to start against the Jaguars in Week 3.

The 2021 Pro Bowler is one of the best quarterbacks in football, and at just 24 years of age, it would be wise of him to look more at the long view, rather than forcing himself to take a painkiller to play. A game against Jacksonville in September is not the Super Bowl. Odds are, the Chargers will need him down the line.

Justin Herbert injury update

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Chase Daniel was announced as the starting quarterback at SoFi Stadium. It turns out that was nothing but some smoke and mirrors voodoo by the Chargers — something that maybe worked given the fact that Herbert is starting.

Or perhaps it was just meant to keep the Jaguars (and Herbert fantasy owners) guessing.

The last known update on Herbert was Friday, by Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. “It’s day-by-day, just waiting to see how he feels,” Staley said, per ESPN. “We’re going to progress through the rest of this week and see how it goes.”

Herbert is at the very least active.

Should Justin Herbert play against the Jaguars?

As great as Herbert is when healthy, it feels like an unnecessary risk to ask him to play this week against Jacksonville. Even were he able to take said painkiller, there’s a risk in doing so. This is the same Chargers team doctor who is being sued by former QB Tyrod Taylor for malpractice, as said doctor allegedly punctured Taylor lung while treating a rib injury before a game in 2020.

While I’m sure the Chargers team doctor has made the necessary adjustments, is that really a risk worth taking? Even if the painkiller were successfully applied, it doesn’t guarantee Herbert wouldn’t make the injury worse by playing.