Chargers make Justin Herbert decision with major playoff implications on the line

Jim Harbaugh will play it safe.

With their playoff berth already secured and only seeding on the line in the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers will sit quarterback Justin Herbert.

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Harbaugh told reporters that Herbert won’t play against the Broncos.

He announced that backup quarterback Trey Lance will make the start, and DJ Uiagalelei will be the backup. Herbert won’t even dress.

Harbaugh also mentioned that other starters with ‘the most bruises’ and need ‘the most healing’ won’t play.

“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.”

This puts Denver in position to claim the AFC’s top seed, which they would secure with a win over the Chargers.

With the Broncos expected to beat a Chargers team full of backups, Los Angeles will likely be locked into the No. 7 seed and a trip to Foxborough next week, if the Buffalo Bills beat the lowly New York Jets.

The New England Patriots are currently the No. 2 seed and are still alive for the top seed. The Pats face the Dolphins in Week 18.

If both the Broncos and Patriots win, which seems likely, Denver will claim the No. 1 seed, New England will be No. 2, and Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye will prepare to host Harbaugh and Herbert in the Wild Card round.

Harbaugh clarified that sitting Herbert is not an attempt to influence Wild Card matchups.

“Health and winning. That’s it,” Harbaugh said about his decision.

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“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.”

As for Herbert himself, the extra week of rest should be beneficial, as he has played with a fractured left hand since Week 13.

He fractured his left (non-throwing) hand a few weeks ago but, remarkably, didn’t miss a single game.

Compounding his challenges, his offensive line has been hit hard by injuries, losing both starting tackles and cycling through a series of players in an attempt to patch the holes.

Herbert finished his sixth season with 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also set a career high on the ground with 498 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns, while being named to his second Pro Bowl.

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