Welcome to the NFL, Justin Herbert.
The Los Angeles Chargers started their 2020 first-round pick at quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs after Tyrod Taylor had to be taken to the hospital with chest pains he experienced in warmups.
Herbert was outstanding in his debut as the Bolts flirted with an upset of the reigning Super Bowl champions, but the Chargers ultimately lost in overtime to the Chiefs, 23-20. Bolts coach Anthony Lynn told reporters afterward he found out following the coin toss that his starter wouldn't be available.
Lynn added that Taylor would remain the starter so long as he's healthy next week, when the Chargers (1-1) host the Panthers.
"If he's 100 percent ready to go, he's our starter," Lynn said.
The Chargers later announced that Taylor had experienced difficulty breathing and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Taylor was discharged from the hospital Sunday night, and Los Angeles said Taylor's status for Week 3 would be determined later in the week.
In four quarters and change Sunday, Herbert passed for 311 yards with a touchdown and an interception via 22-for-33 passing. The rookie added four carries for 18 yards and a touchdown run on the ground.
Herbert led Los Angeles on an eight-play touchdown drive to open his career, capped off by a TD run of his own.
Taylor was listed on the injury report Friday with a ribs injury but was a full participant in practice. However, something happened in pregame warmups that aggravated a chest injury for Taylor and thrust the 22-year-old Herbert into the lineup against the reigning Super Bowl champs.
Herbert is no stranger to the limelight. After playing four years and 43 games at Oregon, Herbert was selected sixth overall by Los Angeles in the 2020 draft, right behind Joe Burrow (No. 1 ) and Tua Tagovailoa (No. 5). The former Duck is the second QB from the 2020 class to make an NFL start after Burrow.
