The Los Angeles Chargers survived a scary moment during Sunday’s game against the rival Kansas City Chiefs.
Quarterback Justin Herbert appeared to be seriously hurt in the second quarter when he delivered a difficult pass when he was knocked down by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton.
Herbert collided with Bolton and was rocked after scrambling to his right on third-and-10 and throwing a deep pass to Quentin Johnston. The fifth-year quarterback stood on the field for a few minutes as coaches watched his left leg and slowly walked to the sideline.
Johnston’s finish was canceled out by a penalty. Taylor Heinicke replaced Herbert and the Chargers punted – their sixth straight drive to open the game that ended with a punt.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, Herbert re-entered the game on the Chargers’ next series, eventually sparking two scoring drives in the third quarter to take a 14–13 lead.
MORE TO COME…
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) reacts after an injury in the first half
For Chargers fans, encouraged by the 8-4 start to the season, Herbert’s return came not a moment too soon.
Some joked about forming a “prayer circle,” while others responded by calling Botlon a “dirty player.”
“The game is over when Herbert is out,” one man wrote.
And it wasn’t just Chargers fans who were affected by the scary moment.
“We’ll be fine, Herbert,” Dan Katz of Barstool Sports wrote on X.
“Prayers going up for Justin Herbert,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III added.
Others accused Herbert of being “soft.”
“He took an elbow to the thigh,” moaned another.
Herbert was strong for three quarters Sunday, completing 17 of 25 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown throw to receiver Quentin Johnson.