Chargers hold QB Justin Herbert out of practice after hand surgery

EL SEGUNDO — Justin Herbert’s status after undergoing surgery Monday on his fractured left hand was day-to-day, according to the Chargers. Wednesday was not Herbert’s day to practice, although his participation in Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles was still to be determined.

If Herbert cannot play against the reigning Super Bowl champions, Trey Lance would start in his place. Lance played a total of 10 plays after Herbert hurt his non-throwing hand in the first quarter of the Chargers’ 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

Lance also played the final two snaps, two kneel-downs to kill the clock at the end of the game. The Chargers were concerned that Herbert would further damage his hand if he took snaps under center. He played the final three quarters from either the shotgun or pistol formations.

Herbert was injured on a scramble to his left with the Chargers in the red zone. One play later, he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston, the first of two TDs he threw. Herbert then departed for the locker room to be examined and fitted with a protective cast and glove.

The Chargers won’t reveal Herbert’s game status for Monday until Saturday.

“We’ll see how the week goes,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday.

Herbert vowed to play against Philadelphia immediately after completing 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in Sunday’s victory over the Raiders. He said what would keep him from playing against the Eagles was “if a doctor told me, ‘It is a very unwise decision.’”

“That’s the plan, to prepare as if I’m going to play, and we’ll see how the next couple of days go and I’ll do everything I can for the team and for the guys out there,” Herbert said Wednesday. “It’s just getting the swelling down. It’s been the most important thing the past couple of days.”

The Chargers will practice to face the Eagles as they would in any other week, with Herbert expected to start, Harbaugh said. Harbaugh also said the game plan will be the same for Herbert and Lance. There won’t be any noteworthy tweaks if Herbert can’t play because the Chargers have faith in Lance.

“Prepare for all scenarios,” Harbaugh said.

Herbert has thrown for 2,842 yards and 21 touchdowns with 10 interceptions this season. Lance has thrown for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Lance completed his only pass against the Raiders for a 9-yard gain and a first down to rookie wide receiver Tre’ Harris.

“It’s just that presence that he has out there,” Harbaugh said of Lance, the third overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft. “Calm, cool, collected. When he was put in that position (to relieve Herbert on Sunday), he was calm, cool, collected. That’s the quarterback’s job. He’s the leader on the field.”

Asked if he’s been impressed by Lance, Harbaugh said, “What’s he been like? He’s been an NFL quarterback, a competitor. He’s been there every day. He always comes to every meeting, every practice, prepared like he’s going to be the starter in the game. So, physical ability, presence, a lot of good.”

EXTRA POINTS

Harbaugh said offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer will play the rest of the season at left tackle, giving the Chargers some consistency at the all-important position after Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt suffered season-ending knee and ankle injuries and two others got a chance to fill in at the spot. …

The Chargers opened the practice window for running back Hassan Haskins to return from injured reserve. Haskins has been on IR since injuring his hamstring in the Chargers’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 19. It wasn’t immediately clear when Haskins might be activated, though. …

The Chargers bolstered their offensive line depth by signing center Josh Kaltenberger and tackle Foster Sarell to the practice squad. Sarell was previously on the practice and active rosters. The Chargers also released tackle David Sharpe and wide receiver Luke Grimm from the practice squad.