ESPN: Doctor Overseeing Justin Herbert is Being Sued by Tyrod Taylor for Malpractice
Sep 18, 2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 28: New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) warms up prior to the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the New York Giants on August 28, 2022 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor filed a malpractice lawsuit against Los Angeles Chargers team doctor David S. Gazzaniga after suffering a punctured lung in Gazzaniga's care during the 2020 season.
"As he returned to free agency, he entered as a backup quarterback as opposed to a starting quarterback. The economic difference between a starting quarterback's salary and a backup quarterback salary is at least $5,000,000 and is more than likely much greater," the lawsuit reads. "The exact amount of such past and future loss is unknown to (Taylor) at this time, and he will ask leave of this Court for permission to amend this Complaint to set forth the total amount when ascertained."
Taylor suffered a punctured lung in September 2020 when he was being administered a pain-killing injection to his ribs. The injury ultimately cost Taylor his starting job with the Chargers, with then-rookie Justin Herbert taking over as the starter.
Gazzaniga remains the Chargers' lead doctor and will be in charge of the care given to Herbert as he deals with fractured rib cartilage suffered in Thursday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Herbert is being listed as day-to-day. A determination about his status for next week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is unlikely to be determined until late next week.
"It's just going to come down to comfort," Staley told reporters. "It's such a rotational position, just going to have to make sure that he's comfortable, and we're not going to know more about how he feels until later on in the week."
If Herbert does suit up in Week 3, it's possible—if not likely—he undergoes the same type of pain-managing injection Taylor underwent two years prior.
Taylor left the Chargers organization after the 2020 season and signed a one-year, $5.3 million contract with the Houston Texans. While Taylor never would have been paid like an upper-echelon quarterback, he could have made well into eight figures in guarantees if he performed well as a stopgap starter before ceding to Herbert.
Taylor did not file a grievance against the Chargers in the initial aftermath of the matter.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert's Rib Injury Diagnosed as Fractured Cartilage
Sep 16, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws the ball during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin
Herbert has been diagnosed with a fracture to his rib cartilage.
Head coach Brandon Staley announced the injury on Friday, adding Herbert will be listed as day to day.
Herbert was sacked twice and hit eight other times during a Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. While he
played the entire game, he looked in distress during
the game's late stages and the team announced afterwards he was
dealing with a rib injury.
"You're not going to see a
quarterback at any level of football play tougher and do more for
their team and will their team to give them a chance more than him," Staley told reporters after the 27-24 defeat.
The 2020 first-round pick played 32 of
a possible 33 games over his first two seasons with the Chargers,
missing no contests because of injury. He didn't start Week 1 of his
rookie campaign before taking over the following week and he never
looked back.
He's completed 72 percent of his throws
for 613 yards with six touchdowns and one interception across two
games so far in 2022.
Chase Daniel, who's made just five
starts across 13 NFL seasons, is next on the Bolts' QB depth chart if Herbert is limited or has to miss time.
Easton Stick is the team's other reserve option.
Herbert was a preseason MVP candidate
after an impressive progression over his first two years.
The Chargers do have a few extra days to rest and regroup thanks to playing on Thursday in Week 2. Their next game is at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 25.
Chargers, Herbert Must Learn from Backbreaking Loss to Be in AFC’s Elite
Sep 16, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up before kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers carried plenty of hype entering the 2022 NFL season, and for good reason. They have their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. They have a great collection of skill players, and they added two premier defenders in Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson during the offseason.
There was a feeling that Los Angeles could be the new team to beat in the AFC West and one of the best in the conference. For the better part of four quarters against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night, this seemed to be the case.
Then, a critical miscue by the offense changed everything.
The Chargers had the ball on the Kansas City three-yard line with 10:45 remaining in a tie ball game. He threw an accurate pass to Gerald Everett at the goal line, but the route was jumped by Chiefs rookie cornerback Jaylen Watson—who took it 99 yards to the house.
This was the only glaring mistake Herbert made during the game—and one could argue that while Herbert was a tad late on the delivery, Everett didn't work back to the ball and it was a great defensive play by Watson. One could also argue that Everett gave up on the play and should bear the blame in L.A. However, it completely changed the complexion of the contest.
The Chargers made things interesting late with a touchdown drive and an onside kick.
One mistake cost Los Angeles a chance to take over the division and become the team to chase. The good news is that the Chargers can learn a few lessons from the loss and battle back over their final 15 games.
(Almost) Everything was Going the Chargers' Way
Let's be clear. This wasn't a perfect game by the Chargers outside of the pick-six. However, Los Angeles was in clear control in the first half and could have regained control with a score instead of an interception on the drive in question.
Los Angeles only led 10-7 at halftime, but the Chiefs were very fortunate to be that close. The Chargers defense had Patrick Mahomes flustered, offensive tempo changes limited the Kansas City pass rush, and Herbert's connection with Mike Williams seemed unstoppable.
Williams finished the first half with six catches for 84 yards.
Things got tougher in the second half, especially with offensive linemen Corey Linsley (knee) and Trey Pipkins III (ankles) leaving with injuries. The Chiefs pass rush started to put pressure on Herbert, and the game became much more even.
The teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, and Kansas City tied it up with a fourth-quarter field goal. However, a personal foul on the ensuing kickoff put L.A. in prime field position at their own 40-yard line.
A few plays later, Los Angeles was inside the five-yard line and poised to regain the lead. Then, the interception happened, and Kansas City jumped to a 10-point lead before the Chargers' final drive. And there's no sugarcoating it, Herbert's interception was a backbreaker.
However, that turnover is not the only reason why L.A. failed to come away with the win.
Missed Opportunities Cost the Chargers Late
For as well as the Chargers played early, missed opportunities cost them late. Watson's interception will remain the highlight of the night, but it might not have mattered much if Los Angeles had capitalized.
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. should have had two interceptions, one in the end zone and one that was eventually overturned after review.
Was Mahomes ever lucky Asante Samuel Jr. failed to catch TWO interceptions - two potential Pick Sixes - that would've changed the outcome of this game.
Nasir Adderley also had a pick that was nullified by a penalty. The Chiefs scored touchdowns after each interception that was called back. Obviously, the game would have been much different had any one of these turnovers stood. Against a quarterback like Mahomes, the defense has to hang onto errant passes and not extend drives with penalties.
The Chargers also missed on a chance to turn this game into a blowout in the first half. Usually-aggressive head coach Brandon Staley opted to punt on 4th-and-2 from the Chiefs' 47-yard line in the second quarter. He did it again on 4th-and-2 from the Chiefs' 48 on the next possession.
This seemed like a big departure from what we saw from Staley last season. The Chargers converted a league-high 22 4th-down attempts, and Staley has preached a need for aggressiveness.
"There has to be a fearlessness to play in this game, and what I wanted to establish was that," Staley said this summer, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.
The Chargers had a chance to impose their will on the Chiefs by staying aggressive in the first half—they did convert on fourth down on their first touchdown drive and convert on 4-of-4 for the night—but they punted instead.
Letting Kansas City hang around was a mistake.
Third-down efficiency was also a problem for the Chargers, who converted only five of 16 attempts. It's also curious that Williams largely disappeared in the second half. He did have a touchdown reception, but he also caught a mere two passes after catching six in the first half.
With Keenan Allen (hamstring) out, Williams is the most dangerous pass-catcher on L.A.'s roster. His lack of usage in the second half and for the vast majority of Week 1 is curious.
Had the Chargers scored more points in the opening half, created takeaways extended drives more frequently and got Williams involved more often over the final two quarters, their lead might have been insurmountable by the time Watson made the night's big play.
There's No Reason to Panic
While this loss is going to sting for more than a week, there's no reason to believe that the Chargers can't be an elite team. Kansas City has remained one of the most consistently great teams over the past few seasons.
Let's not forget that the Chiefs have appeared in four consecutive AFC title games.
The margin for error against Kansas City will always be slim, and the Chargers now know what they need to do in the next meeting. They can't give up on plays late in games, can't afford to miss turnover opportunities and they cannot let up when the Chiefs are on the proverbial ropes.
The injuries along the offensive line are a concern, as is the hard shot Herbert took on Los Angeles' final drive. He appeared to be in a lot of pain after reentering the game, though he still made some incredible throws to get L.A. into the end zone.
Staley said after the game that Herbert is "OK" and that the injury, likely abdominal or ribs, shouldn't be an issue going forward, according to Popper.
If the Chargers can clean a few things up and learn a few lessons from Thursday's defeat, they'll be one of the most unstoppable squads in the conference. There's also a good chance that the Chargers start and finish as the better team when the Chiefs come to L.A. on Nov. 27.
Justin Herbert Praised by Fans for 'Legendary Toughness' After Playing Through Injury
Sep 16, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws the ball during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Justin Herbert lost Thursday's game, but he won plenty of respect along the way.
The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback took a hard hit in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 27-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and remained down for some time. He exited for a play with a rib injury but quickly returned to the field even with his team facing a 10-point deficit and extremely unlikely chance at a comeback.
It was obvious he was in pain, but he still managed to throw a touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer on fourth down to cut into the deficit.
Los Angeles was unable to recover the ensuing onside kick and fell three points short against its division rival, but Herbert earned plenty of praise for his toughness:
Herbert lost, but that was legendary toughness that nobody that was watching will ever forget.
Sure looked like Justin Herbert played the end of that game with broken or at least severely bruised ribs. That’s awful to even breathe with, let alone play football.
In his gladiator world, his teammates’ respect for him is now through the roof.
Chris Jones was the biggest problem for Herbert and the Chargers offensive line, as he finished with two sacks, two quarterback hits and a pass defended. Herbert was forced to evade pressure for much of the evening, and he certainly paid a price at times.
Ultimately, though, it was his pick-six to Jaylen Watson that proved to be the difference. It seemed as if Los Angeles was going to take the lead in the fourth quarter when Watson intercepted a pass and returned it 99 yards for a score.
The Chiefs never gave up the lead from there as Herbert labored to finish the game.
Chargers' Justin Herbert Undergoes X-Rays After Suffering Rib Injury vs. Chiefs
Sep 16, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert underwent X-rays after suffering an injury to his ribs in Thursday night's 27-24 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Herbert appeared to suffer the injury in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game. He returned after taking one play off, but he was visibly playing through pain. He even managed to throw a late touchdown that cut Kansas City's lead to three. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley praised Herbert for his toughness and said he's expected to be OK:
Brandon Staley says Justin Herbert "is ok. It was a tough game. You're not going to see a quarterback in any level of football play tougher...there's nobody that can do what he can do."
Herbert was durable as the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year and appeared in 15 games while completing 66.6 percent of his passes for 4,336 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also added 234 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
He was even better as a Pro Bowler in his second season while throwing for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns.
The Oregon product is a primary reason expectations were high in Los Angeles entering the season, and the team can ill-afford to lose him for an extended period in such a competitive AFC West.
He has completed 72 percent of his passes for 613 yards, six touchdowns and one interception for the 1-1 Chargers in 2022.
If Herbert is forced to miss time, look for Los Angeles to turn toward the veteran Chase Daniel.
While Daniel has been in the league for over a decade and appeared in games for the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Chargers, he has largely been a career backup.
Expectations will drop significantly for Los Angeles if Herbert is sidelined for long.
Chargers' Brandon Staley, Joe Lombardi Blasted for Conservative Calls in Chiefs Loss
Sep 16, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 26: Head coach Brandon Staley of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on August 26, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers had the opportunity to steal a road win over the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night, but instead, they fell short with a 27-24 loss at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chargers held a 10-point lead in the third quarter before the team's offense grew stagnant. The Chiefs took advantage and rattled off 20 unanswered points to turn the game around.
Thursday's game was notably mismanaged by Los Angeles head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Staley, who has been known for his aggression, was surprisingly conservative in moments where he should've been assertive.
In the first half, the Chargers had 4th-and-short in Kansas City territory twice and elected to punt each time. Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert had success throwing to wide receiver Mike Williams early on, but he was virtually removed from the offense and held without a catch after his touchdown reception early in the third quarter.
Herbert also was visibly banged up late in the fourth quarter but showed a ton of toughness to stay in the game while fighting through an apparent rib injury. He even threw a touchdown with 1:11 left to cut the deficit to three points. But it was too little, too late, as Kansas City recovered the ensuing onside kick.
Staley and Lombardi drew the ire of NFL Twitter for their timid play-calling.
I did not bet on this Brandon Staley! I want the old Brandon Staley back!!
According to the ESPN model, Brandon Staley cost the Chargers a cumulative 7.3 percentage points of win probability via 4th down errors in the first half.
That’s poor game management by Joe Lombardi. Have to understand who’s on the field after a big play. They usually need to sub out. Tempo is for after quick plays to build rhythm and maintain simple coverage looks. No benefit to it there.
That’s on Brandon Staley. Everett wanted out after that long gain. Coach wants to go fast. And then with a tired TE they made the mistake of going after Watson. Bad decision. #GoCougs
The Chargers are expected to be contenders in the AFC this season, but it will take a concerted effort from both the players and coaches to minimize errors along the way. On Thursday, the players were let down by Staley and Lombardi because of their conservative approach.
Los Angeles will have a few extra days to address the deficiencies from Thursday before the team returns to action on Sept. 25 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Austin Ekeler's Usage in Chargers Offense Questioned by Fantasy Managers vs. Chiefs
Sep 16, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 15: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball against Willie Gay #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Thursday's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers was supposed to come with plenty of offensive fireworks and fantasy points.
Someone must have forgotten to tell the star players.
The five offensive touchdowns in Kansas City's 27-24 victory came from Zander Horvath, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, Justin Watson and Jerick McKinnon, which is not what fantasy players relying on Austin Ekeler wanted to hear.
The Chargers star running back ended up with 14 carries for 39 yards and just 2.8 yards per attempt. He added nine catches for 55 yards at least, but the lack of a rushing attack combined with Sony Michel receiving a handoff at the Kansas City 1-yard line instead of him was reason for concern.
Fans on social media expressed some of that concern:
Austin Ekeler - no goalline work, no third downs outside of short yardage, but most everything else pic.twitter.com/8Vq8seEPEI
I'm not going to freak out about Austin Ekeler. I'm not going to freak out about Austin Ekeler. I'm not going to freak out about Austin Ekeler. I'm a little freaked out about Austin Ekeler.
Ekeler had just 36 rushing yards and 36 receiving yards with no touchdowns in the Chargers' Week 1 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, so there is something of a troubling pattern emerging in the early portion of the season for those fantasy players relying on the No. 1 back.
Fortunately, there is a track record to fall back on after he scored 20 touchdowns a season ago, but the dominant fantasy playmaker from 2021 has yet to make an appearance in 2022.
Report: J.C. Jackson to Return from Ankle Injury, Make Chargers Debut vs. Chiefs
Sep 15, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson carries the ball at the NFL football team's practice facility Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Costa Mesa, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson will make his season debut on Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, per NFL Network's James Palmer.
Jackson missed the team's Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders while nursing an ankle injury.
Jackson, who underwent an ankle procedure last month, was listed as questionable for Thursday night's game but hinted he would play in an Instagram photo with the caption, "Yall know what time it is!!"
The 26-year-old was one of L.A.'s marquee offseason acquisitions, putting pen to paper on a five-year, $82.5 million contract in March that put him among the NFL's highest-paid defensive backs at $16.5 million annually.
Jackson spent the first four seasons of his career with the New England Patriots. He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland in 2018.
The Florida native had a breakout 2020 season, posting nine interceptions, 14 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and 40 tackles in 16 games.
Jackson had an even better 2021 campaign, recording eight interceptions, a league-leading 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble and 58 tackles in 17 games. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season.
As one of L.A.'s top cornerbacks, Jackson is expected to have an equally impressive 2022 season, especially after landing a lucrative new contract.
Khalil Mack: 3-Sack Performance in Chargers' Win Over Raiders 'Wasn’t Good Enough'
Sep 15, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes during a 24-19 Chargers win over the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The rest of the AFC West is officially on notice because three sacks, seven quarterback pressures, six tackles and a forced fumble in one game apparently isn't enough for Khalil Mack.
"It wasn't good enough," the Los Angeles Chargers pass-rusher said after helping lead his new team to a 24-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, per Joe Reedy of the Associated Press. "I left a lot of stuff out there, and I have to get it corrected."
Reedy noted Mack, whom the Chargers acquired via trade from the Chicago Bears this offseason, joined Shawne Merriman and Rodney Harrison as the only players in franchise history to post three sacks in a season opener.
Much of the focus was on the offensive side of the ball in the AFC West this offseason with the Denver Broncos adding Russell Wilson and the Raiders adding Davante Adams, but the idea of Mack and Joey Bosa rushing the passer together for the Chargers is surely a frightening one for the rest of the division.
They combined for 4.5 sacks and 16 quarterback pressures against Las Vegas and will have the opportunity to make their mark against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Thursday's showdown.
It seems as if Mack might need four or five sacks to be pleased with his performance.
Keenan Allen out for Chargers vs. Chiefs with Hamstring Injury Suffered in Week 1
Sep 14, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 16: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on December 16, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Allen exited the Chargers' Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half with a hamstring injury. He caught four passes for 66 yards before exiting, which led the team.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler later reported that Allen would "probably" miss L.A.'s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 15.
Allen has been pretty durable over his 10-year career, appearing in at least 12 games in seven of those seasons. The only significant time he missed was after he tore his ACL in Week 1 of the 2016 campaign.
The 30-year-old has been one of the Chargers' top receivers since breaking on to the scene in 2013 when the team was still in San Diego. He has five seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards and has earned five All-Star selections.
Allen is expected to remain a significant part of the L.A. offense this year alongside Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer. When he's sidelined, Jalen Guyton and DeAndre Carter see more playing time.
The Chargers are 1-0 to start this season, but the Week 2 game against the Chiefs will be an important one for the AFC West standings.
