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5 Takeaways: Why Chargers QB Justin Herbert Won't Play vs. Broncos in Week 18
The Chargers are 11-5 after a Week 17 home loss to the Texans.
Here are five takeaways from Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's Monday press conference.
Justin Herbert will not play in the Chargers regular-season finale in Denver, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday.
In fact, the Chargers franchise quarterback won't even dress as Trey Lance will start and DJ Uiagalelei will serve as the backup quarterback after being elevated from the practice squad.
"The guys that have the most bruises and need the most healing, we'll pull them back. Justin Herbert would be one," Harbaugh said.
"He's got bruises that need to heal," Harbaugh later added of Herbert, who has been playing with a broken left hand over the past month.
Broncos vs. Chargers where to watch, live stream, kickoff time, prediction, odds
The Denver Broncos will wrap up the 2025 regular season at home this week, as they are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos are coming off a 20-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas, while the Chargers were defeated by the Houston Texans in Week 17, 20-16.
The No. 1 seed in the AFC is on the line in this matchup, as the 13-3 Broncos can clinch the first-round bye with a win. They would fall to the No. 2 seed in the AFC if they lost while the 13-3 New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins. As for the Chargers, they are locked into a wild-card spot. They currently occupy the No. 6 seed in the AFC behind the Texans and ahead of the Buffalo Bills. Both of those teams are also 11-5, and favored to win their respective matchups this weekend. Trey Lance will start at quarterback for the Chargers, as Justin Herbert gets a week to rest.
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Justin Herbert, Derwin James among inactives for Chargers-Broncos
As expected, the Chargers are resting several starters in Sunday’s matchup with the Broncos.
If Denver wins the contest, the club will be the AFC’s No. 1 seed, earning the conference’s postseason bye.
Los Angeles will be on the road for next week’s Wild Card round no matter the result, which is part of why the club is opting to sit its starters.
Los Angeles’ inactives are quarterback Justin Herbert, safety Derwin James, defensive back Elijah Molden, running back Omarion Hampton, outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer, and center Bradley Bozeman.
Trey Lance will get the start at quarterback for the Chargers.
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