Herbert produces vs. Texans

Chargers QB Justin Herbert threw for 340 yards and 2 TDs in Sunday's win over the Texans. He hit Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett for scores. Herbert's practice participation leading up to the game told us his ribs were in better shape than the week before. WR Keenan Allen is also nearing his return. Week 5 presents another fine matchup at Cleveland.

The Chargers are set to hire Kellen Moore as their new OC, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Although we just learned that Moore was done in Dallas on Sunday, the Chargers had been working on this hire "for a while," per Rapoport. It's a great get for QB Justin Herbert and Co. Moore helped the Cowboys to top-11 finishes in both points and total yards in 3 of his 4 seasons -- with the only exception being 2020, when QB Dak Prescott missed most of the year. That included a 1st-place finish in both points and yards in 2021. Moore's Dallas offenses were balanced to run-leaning in terms of Pass Rate Over Expected, although he certainly seems willing to adjust his play calling to the personnel. Moore also deploys a fast-paced attack, with the Cowboys ranking top 4 in both pace and situation-neutral pace in all 4 of his seasons.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert underwent surgery on January 25 to repair the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, the team announced. He was on the injury report with a left shoulder in Week 18 but was removed for the opening round of the playoffs. Herbert is expected to be cleared to participate in the offseason program, but we'll keep a close eye on his rehab. At this point, we're not adjusting our 2023 fantasy outlook for Herbert.

The Chargers have fired OC Joe Lombardi, according to NFL Network. Lombardi piloted Los Angeles to top 9 finishes in total yards in each of the past 2 seasons, despite dealing with a bunch of injuries to offensive linemen and skill-position players. But his scheme simply didn't accentuate QB Justin Herbert's arm talent, as evidenced by his 7.6 and 6.4 intended air yards per pass attempt marks over the last 2 years. That 6.4-yard mark this past season ranked 31st among 33 qualifiers. We'll see who the Chargers tab to replace Lombardi -- but the change is more likely than not to be good news for Herbert's fantasy value.

Playing without WR Mike Williams, Chargers QB Justin Herbert completed 25-of-43 passes for 273 yards and 1 score. The Chargers settled for 2 short range FGs in the first half — 1 after Herbert missed Keenan Allen in the end zone — which kept Jacksonville’s comeback hopes alive. In the second half, the Chargers went: punt, FG, missed FG, punt. Following the loss, we’ll see if the Chargers retain HC Brandon Staley (and OC Joe Lombardi) for another season. Regardless, Los Angeles needs to find a speed threat to compliment Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (left shoulder) practiced fully again on Thursday. This injury to Herbert's non-throwing shoulder seems unlikely to prevent him from playing in Week 18 vs. the Broncos. We'll check in on Herbert again tomorrow just in case.