Chargers to Rest Justin Herbert in Finale; Trey Lance to Start.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers will sit quarterback Justin Herbert for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday. Backup Trey Lance is set to start, with practice squad quarterback DJ Uiagalelei promoted to the backup role. Herbert, who has been playing with a fractured left hand since Week 13, will not dress for the game. Harbaugh also noted that other starters might be rested to prioritize player health. “Winning and health, being healthy, those are our two objectives,” Harbaugh said. “And guys that we think—the doctors, the trainers, myself, organization—that have the most bruises and need that time the most, we've decided that's the direction we're going.” The Chargers’ loss to the Houston Texans last weekend eliminated them from AFC West title contention, making the finale relevant only for playoff seeding. A victory could secure the team as high as the fifth seed, but home-field advantage is no longer an option. Denver, meanwhile, will clinch the AFC’s top seed with a win on Sunday.

In the loss to Houston, Herbert passed for 236 yards and one touchdown and led the team in rushing with 37 yards. He visibly reacted in pain after hitting his injured hand during the first of five sacks in the game.

Harbaugh emphasized that resting Herbert is focused solely on health and performance, not on manipulating potential playoff matchups. “Health and winning. That’s it,” he said. “There’s no way to predict. We're going on the road, first round. All potential teams would be good, and we'll get ourselves ready for that.” Herbert, who earned his second Pro Bowl selection this season, will finish his sixth NFL season with 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for a career-high 498 yards and two additional scores.