Welcome back to the Chargers Mailbag!
We'll run a Mailbag each week during the regular season. Send in submissions for the Mailbag on Twitter @EricLSmith or by email at eric.smith@chargers.nfl.com.
Off we go...
Which other Chargers will be held out or severely limited in the regular season finale? (Ed via Twitter)
In case you missed it, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh revealed some big news Monday afternoon.
Justin Herbert will not play in Week 18 against the Broncos.
"He's got bruises that need to heal," Harbaugh said of Herbert, who has been playing with a broken left hand over the past month.
To me, this is the right move for both Herbert and the Chargers. To borrow a word Harbaugh has frequently used this season, Herbert has been "heroic" for the Bolts in 2025.
He deserves to be in the MVP discussion and has cemented himself as one of the game's best (and toughest) quarterbacks.
But giving him a break in the regular-season finale is the right move, even if the Chargers playoff seed is still up in the air.
And the simple reason is this: the Bolts can't risk Herbert getting injured ahead of the playoffs. So, you rest him, even if that means dropping to the No. 7 seed.
Put another way, the Chargers will gladly take a rested Herbert at any playoff seed rather than a banged up quarterback in possibly the No. 5 spot.
As for Week 18 in Denver, we know that Trey Lance will start at quarterback. But Harbaugh didn't have any other full answers Monday when asked about other players either being held out or in limited roles.
Perhaps we get those answers as early as later Wednesday, but some players to keep an eye on could be veterans such as Khalil Mack and Keenan Allen, plus others who have been working through something of late.
Remember, the Chargers are limited in the number of players they can list as inactive. Perhaps that means some players suit up but don't see much action in Denver.
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Check out some of the best photos of the Bolt Fam getting together at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers take on the Houston Texans in Week 17!
Are the players feeling focused and understand this will be one of the better chances of making a Super Bowl? (Anthony via Twitter)
A few things here with Anthony's question.
First, the AFC does feel a bit different this year considering the Chiefs aren't in the dance. That means no Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
Joe Burrow isn't in the mix either, and there's a chance Lamar Jackson doesn't get to play past Week 18 either.
But while the AFC feels pretty wide open, I don't think the Chargers or anyone else is thinking this will be a cake walk to a Super Bowl appearance.
Heck, the Chargers Wild Card opponent isn't even set yet and might not even be determined until Sunday night.
The Bolts focus right now is on Week 18 against the Broncos. The Wild Card Round will get all the attention as soon as Sunday afternoon's game in Denver is complete.
"There's no way to predict," Harbaugh said Monday. "We're going on the road [in the] first round, all potential teams would be good. We'll get ourselves ready for that.
"Play the game, win the game then find out where we're going, that's the objective," Harbaugh added.
Murphy's law. What can go wrong DID go wrong. Not just with the Texans game but with injuries all year. 11 wins. How do people not have Harbaugh in Coach of the Year and Herbert MVP at LEAST in the conversation? (I'm fine with others winning it, btw). (JT via Twitter)
Was Saturday's loss to the Texans frustrating? Yes.
But here's why I came away feeling good about the Chargers.
There were numerous uncharacteristic mistakes by the Bolts that they normally don't make: the defense gave up two explosive touchdowns, the offense sputtered in the red zone and both Cameron Dicker and JK Scott had off days.
And the Chargers still nearly won against a really good Houston team.
The Bolts now know how small the margin for error is against a playoff-type team, and you can be players and coaches will be locked in once the actual postseason starts.
Daiyan Henley said as much after Week 17.
"I feel like we battled. But although we battled, we all just didn't do enough right. You know, it's a team sport," Henley said. "We've got to do more. As much as we hate to lose, I'd rather do it now than later. Now it's time to get on a run and let's go."
We'll see who the Chargers end up drawing in the Wild Card Round. But I think the Bolts have the right formula — great head coach and quarterback, stingy defense, timely offense and strong special teams — to be a scary team in January.
Who would you guess would be the 2 players they'd use IR-return slots on? (TPJ via Twitter)
The only name I can think of is tight end Tucker Fisk, who went on Injured Reserve before the Eagles game.
There are plenty of notable names also on Injured Reserve such as Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Najee Harris, but all of them are out for the season. Same with Junior Colson.
Perhaps we get an answer from Harbaugh this week or next on possible IR activations, but Fisk is probably the only name to keep in mind when doing so.
What do you think is the plan for the O-line going into the offseason (obviously with Slater and Alt back)? Hopefully Linderbuam? (Dylan via Twitter)
Do you think they'll resign Mack and KA for another season?? (NK via Twitter)
I grouped these two questions together because they both get the same answer.
We'll worry about the 2026 offseason once the 2026 offseason arrives.
Playoff appearances are special and should be savored, especially when the Chargers have the potential they currently do.
There will be plenty of time to dissect the Chargers 2026 opponents, roster and free agency. Now is not that time.
View photos of the Chargers 53-man roster as of Dec. 10, 2025.
#0 | LB | Daiyan Henley
#0 | LB | Daiyan Henley
#1 | WR | Quentin Johnston
#1 | WR | Quentin Johnston
#2 | DB | Elijah Molden
#2 | DB | Elijah Molden
#3 | S | Derwin James, Jr.
#3 | S | Derwin James, Jr.
#5 | QB | Trey Lance
#5 | QB | Trey Lance
#6 | LB | Denzel Perryman
#6 | LB | Denzel Perryman
#8 | QB | Omarion Hampton
#8 | QB | Omarion Hampton
#9 | WR | Tre' Harris
#9 | WR | Tre' Harris
#10 | QB | Justin Herbert
#10 | QB | Justin Herbert
#11 | K | Cameron Dicker
#11 | K | Cameron Dicker
#12 | WR | Derius Daivs
#12 | WR | Derius Daivs
#13 | WR | Keenan Allen
#13 | WR | Keenan Allen
#15 | WR | Ladd McConkey
#15 | WR | Ladd McConkey
#16 | P | JK Scott
#16 | P | JK Scott
#20 | CB | Cam Hart
#20 | CB | Cam Hart
#23 | S | Tony Jefferson
#23 | S | Tony Jefferson
#24 | CB | Benjamin St-Juste
#24 | CB | Benjamin St-Juste
#26 | CB | Donte Jackson
#26 | CB | Donte Jackson
#27 | S | RJ Mickens
#27 | S | RJ Mickens
#28 | RB | Hassan Haskins
#28 | RB | Hassan Haskins
#29 | CB | Tarheeb Still
#29 | CB | Tarheeb Still
#30 | RB | Kimani Vidal
#30 | RB | Kimani Vidal
#33 | DB | Deane Leonard
#33 | DB | Deane Leonard
#40 | S | Kendall Williamson
#40 | S | Kendall Williamson
#43 | LB | Troy Dye
#43 | LB | Troy Dye
#44 | FB/DL | Scott Matlock
#44 | FB/DL | Scott Matlock
#45 | OLB | Tuli Tuipulotu
#45 | OLB | Tuli Tuipulotu
#46 | CB | Nikko Reed
#46 | CB | Nikko Reed
#47 | LS | Josh Harris
#47 | LS | Josh Harris
#48 | OLB | Bud Dupree
#48 | OLB | Bud Dupree
#52 | OLB | Khalil Mack
#52 | OLB | Khalil Mack
#53 | LB | Del'Shawn Phillips
#53 | OLB | Del'Shawn Phillips
#54 | OLB | Kyle Kennard
#54 | OLB | Kyle Kennard
#58 | LB | Marlowe Wax
#58 | LB | Marlowe Wax
#64 | OL | Trevor Penning
#64 | OL | Trevor Penning
#66 | T | Bobby Hart
#66 | T | Bobby Hart
#68 | OL | Jamaree Salyer
#68 | OL | Jamaree Salyer
#73 | G | Mekhi Becton
#73 | OL | Mekhi Becton
#74 | T | Austin Deculus
#74 | OL | Austin Deculus
#75 | C | Bradley Bozeman
#75 | C | Bradley Bozeman
#77 | G | Zion Johnson
#77 | G | Zion Johnson
#78 | C | Andre James
#78 | C | Andre James
#79 | G/T | Trey Pipkins III
#79 | G/T | Trey Pipkins III
#83 | TE | Tyler Conklin
#83 | TE | Tyler Conklin
#84 | WR | KeAndre Lambert-Smith
#84 | WR | KeAndre Lambert-Smith
#86 | TE | Oronde Gadsden
#86 | TE | Oronde Gadsden
#89 | TE | Will Dissly
#89 | TE | Will Dissly
#90 | DL | Tear Tart
#90 | DL | Tear Tart
#91 | DL | Da'Shawn Hand
#91 | DL | Da'Shawn Hand
#92 | DL | Justin Eboigbe
#92 | DL | Justin Eboigbe
#93 | DL | Otito Ogbonnia
#93 | DL | Otito Ogbonnia
#98 | OLB | Odafe Oweh
#98 | OLB | Odafe Oweh
#99 | DT | Jamaree Caldwell
#99 | DT | Jamaree Caldwell
#7 | RB | DJ Uiagalelei
#7 | RB | DJ Uiagalelei
#31 | S | Marcus Williams
#31 | S | Marcus Williams
32 | RB | Jaret Patterson
#32 | RB | Jaret Patterson
#34 | RB | Amar Johnson
#34 | RB | Amar Johnson
#35 | S | Marcus Maye
#35 | S | Marcus Maye
#37 | CB | Isas Waxter
#37 | CB | Isas Waxter
#49 | TE | Thomas Yassmin
#49 | TE | Thomas Yassmin
#50 | LB | Emany Johnson
#50 | LB | Emany Johnson
#62 | C/G | Sam Mustipher
#62 | C/G | Sam Mustipher
#67 | OL | Foster Sarell
#67 | OL | Foster Sarell
#71 | G | Branson Taylor
#71 | G | Branson Taylor
81 | WR | Dalevon Campbell
81 | WR | Dalevon Campbell
#82 | WR | JaQuae Jackson
#82 | WR | JaQuae Jackson
#94 | DL | TeRah Edwards
#94 | DL | TeRah Edwards
#95 | DL | Kyle Peko
#95 | DL | Kyle Peko
#97 | OLB | Garmon Randolph
#97 | OLB | Garmon Randolph
#22 | RB | Najee Harris
#22 | RB | Najee Harris
#25 | LB | Junior Colson
#25 | LB | Junior Colson
#37 | CB | Jordan Oladokun
#37 | CB | Jordan Oladokun
#39 | CB | Eric Rogers
#39 | CB | Eric Rogers
#42 | TE | Tucker Fisk
#42 | TE | Tucker Fisk
#69 | DL | Josh Fuga
#69 | DL | Josh Fuga
#70 | T | Rashawn Slater
#70 | T | Rashawn Slater
#76 | T | Joe Alt
#76 | T | Joe Alt
#67 | T | Savion Washington
#67 | T | Savion Washington
