Justin Herbert didn't learn that he would be starting for the Los Angeles Chargers in their Week 2 matchup with the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs until just before the start of the game. The former Oregon standout wasn't phased by the challenge, though, as he used the unexpected action as a chance to grab the starting position and not look back.
Indeed, after three starts in place of the injured Tyrod Taylor, Chargers' head coach Anthony Lynn announced that Herbert will be the team's starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, even once Taylor is healthy.
Herbert, the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has racked up 931 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in the first three starts of his NFL career. The Chargers are 0-3 over that period, but Herbert was asked to go blow-for-blow with Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady in two of the three matchups.
Looking for his first win as a starting quarterback, Herbert will have to square off with another future Hall of Famer in Week 5, as the Chargers will play Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
Taylor has had unimaginable bad luck in this case. The Chargers seemed content to have him start for much of the 2020 season, but prior to the team's Week 2 matchup with the Chiefs, Taylor's lung was punctured when he was in the process of receiving a pregame pain injection.
At 31, Taylor will have to be Herbert's backup for the remainder of the season, before potentially seeking an opportunity in a similar situation to start and mentor a young quarterback this upcoming offseason.
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