For most quarterbacks, a fractured non-throwing hand means a spot on the sideline. However, for Justin Herbert, it was just another obstacle he was forced to overcome when the Los Angeles Chargers edged out the Philadelphia Eagles 22-19. Head coach Jim Harbaugh finally provided some clarity on the 27-year-old’s wrist injury, which Herbert played through in arguably one of the grittiest performances of his career.

The physical pain in the injured hand was nothing compared with the “mental pain of not practicing,” Harbaugh said, as per insider Alex Insdorf. Though widespread speculation about his status persisted throughout the week, Herbert said afterwards that he knew as early as last Sunday he wouldn’t miss it.

He took the field wearing a small cast on his non-throwing hand and even used the injured wrist and bandaged elbow to stiff-arm defenders.

“It felt like we were in a movie where the quarterback is doing these things and you get to the point where you go, ‘OK, this is getting a little unrealistic,’” Harbaugh said.

It was anything but an easy night. Herbert was sacked a career-high seven times, absorbed 11 hits, and didn’t have a healthy left arm to brace himself when landing. The punishment was constant, yet he kept getting up and pushing forward.

“He definitely sets the standard. For him to get surgery a week ago and be back on the field today, it’s contagious, for sure. It makes you want to go hard for him,” Chargers guard Mekhi Becton said.

As Herbert explained, “I just think about the guys in that locker room. They do it for us. So many guys fight through things worse than what I’m going through. It’s the least I can do to show up and give my best.”

The quarterback had also said earlier that the surgery, after he fractured his left hand in Week 13 against the Raiders, was successful, with a plate and several screws involved.

The constant punishment took its toll, and it showed on the stat sheet as he completed less than half his passes for 139 yards and threw an interception.

The Chargers’ defense flipped the game

One of the more surprising developments occurred with the four picks off Jalen Hurts, who entered the game having thrown just two this season. Jesse Minter’s defensive plan created hesitation, late throws, and misreads from Hurts all night.

Da’Shawn Hand dropped into coverage for the first pick in the second quarter after a chaotic sequence of recoveries that also resulted in a lost fumble.

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In the fourth quarter, Kemon Hart picked off a pass that bounced off A.J. Brown’s hands and returned it into field-goal range to set up the tying score. On the game’s final play, veteran Tony Jefferson had an interception, sealing the victory.

The Chargers also found balance on the ground. Omarion Hampton returned from injured reserve and shared carries with Kimani Vidal, combining for 100 yards on the ground and a receiving touchdown by Hampton-his first career scoring catch.