5 Takeaways: Why Chargers QB Justin Herbert Won't Play vs. Broncos in Week 18

Dec 29, 2025 at 01:57 PM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

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.

1. Justin Herbert to sit out Week 18

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.

Harbaugh on Monday explained the decision.

"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.

The Chargers are currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC postseason picture and have numerous playoff seeding scenarios that could play out, including potentially getting the Nos. 5, 6 or 7 seed.

But Harbaugh said Monday that having Herbert fully healthy for the postseason with the main objective.

"Winning and being healthy, those are our two objectives," Harbaugh said. "Guys that we think, the doctors, trainers, myself, the organization, that have the most bruises and need that time the most, we've decided that's the direction we're going."

Herbert's 2025 season will end with 16 starts in 16 games while completing 340 of 512 passes (66.4 percent) for 3,727 yards with 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Harbaugh said there will likely be other starters who don't play in Denver but those decisions will be made later in the week.

"We'll see how the rest of the week goes with who all they are. They'll be some situations where some starters are backups," Harbaugh said.

Lance will make his sixth career NFL start and first since Week 18 of the 2024 season.

"Does a lot well, especially playing the game," Harbaugh said of Lance. "He prepares extremely well, executes well, can throw outside the numbers, can throw with touch, can throw with accuracy.

"Has a presence out there and can use his legs. His athleticism, his intelligence, it's all good," Harbaugh added. "I just think he needs the opportunity to play and start and go out and show what he can do."

2. Other starters may also sit

Herbert might not be the only starter who doesn't play in Week 18.

Harbaugh said Monday that there are others who are working through injuries that might also get a chance to rest Sunday.

But the Chargers Head Coach didn't have a definitive list as of Monday afternoon.

"Trying to see how the week transpires with where they're at," Harbaugh said.

He later added: "Not cemented. Not that I can sit here and tell you for sure right now. I think those conversations will take place during the week and they'll be made as an organization."

In terms of injury updates, Harbaugh was asked if running back Kimani Vidal and left tackle Jamaree Salyer — both of whom didn't play Saturday — had a chance to practice this week.

"Kimani more likely than Jamaree," Harbaugh said.

Answers on others such as wide receiver Derius Davis, safety RJ Mickens and others would come later in the week.

"We'll see. We'll have an injury update, especially tomorrow, when we'll know exactly who's able to practice in what capacity," Harbaugh said.