Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert is making his second consecutive start Sunday against the Panthers while Tyrod Taylor is out with a punctured lung and cracked ribs.
No matter how the first-round pick performs, a third consecutive start is guaranteed after it was reported that Taylor is expected to miss next weekend’s matchup against the Buccaneers, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Taylor suffered cracked ribs in Los Angeles’ regular-season opener and then had a lung accidentally punctured by injection before last week’s game against the Chiefs when a team doctor attempted to aid the initial injury.
Herbert impressed in his professional debut against the defending Super Bowl champions, finishing with 22-of-32 passing for 311 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Anthony Lynn said that Taylor will return to being the team’s starting quarterback, but the first-year player will have the opportunity to change his mind with his play.