NFL news: Justin Herbert to undergo hand surgery, Sauce Gardner potentially dealing with calf strain

As the NFL season approaches its final stretch, injuries are starting to impact teams fighting for playoff spots. The Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts are dealing with potential challenges to their lineups.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert to Undergo Hand Surgery

Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers suffered a fracture in the back of his left non-throwing hand during the opening drive against the Raiders. Herbert returned in the second quarter wearing a padded glove and completed the game. He is scheduled for surgery on Monday to stabilize the injury. Herbert remains optimistic about playing in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles, stating that doctors are hopeful he will be able to take the field.

Colts CB Sauce Gardner Faces Calf Injury

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner exited Sundays game against the Houston Texans with an apparent calf strain. Gardner confirmed it was not an Achilles injury but will undergo an MRI to assess the severity. He is currently listed as week-to-week with the hope of returning later this season. Gardner had only played three games for the Colts since being acquired from the New York Jets at the trade deadline.

Other Notable Injuries

• J.J. McCarthy (Vikings QB) is expected to return after missing Week 13 due to concussion protocol. Full practice clearance is anticipated by Wednesday.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions WR) missed Monday practice with an ankle sprain, expected to be sidelined for a week or two.
• Drake London (Falcons WR) is day-to-day with a knee strain, possibly returning in Week 14 against Seattle.
• Patrick Queen (Steelers LB) left the Bills game with a lower back bruise; tests ongoing.
• Garrett Bradbury (Patriots C) is questionable for Monday Night Football versus the Giants due to illness.
• Aaron Jones (Vikings RB) is expected to be day-to-day with a minor shoulder injury.
• Kyler Murray (Cardinals QB) remains on injured reserve with a foot injury; his practice window has not yet opened.
• Trey Hendrickson (Bengals DE) continues to recover from a hip injury, evaluated week-to-week.
• Terrion Arnold (Lions CB) did not practice due to a shoulder injury.
• Adam Thielen (Vikings WR) has been waived at his request to finish his career with a contending team; this will be his final NFL season.

Rookies and Rising Stars

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will return from concussion protocol to start against the Patriots. In his rookie season, Dart has demonstrated dual-threat capability with 10 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and seven rushing scores.

Standout Performances

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams set a new NFL record with 60 career receiving touchdowns inside the 10-yard line, surpassing Jerry Rice's mark of 58. Adams also leads the league this season with 14 goal-line scores, helping elevate Matthew Staffords performance.

Additional Roster Updates

The Detroit Lions released guard Netane Muti from the practice squad and added wide receiver Andrew Armstrong. The Philadelphia Eagles signed wide receiver Terrace Marshall to their practice squad. Green Bay Packers rookie WR Matthew Golden could potentially return from a wrist injury for Week 14.

As Week 14 approaches, teams are managing critical injuries while jockeying for playoff positioning, making each matchup pivotal in the closing stretch of the NFL season.

Author: Sophia Brooks