Despite rookie quarterback Justin Herbert’s stellar debut, Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said Monday that veteran Tyrod Taylor will remain the starter as long as he’s healthy.
Taylor was scratched just before kickoff Sunday when a pain-killing injection to treat his injured ribs didn’t go well. The team said Taylor experienced breathing difficulties and later went to the hospital.
That led to Herbert learning right before the coin toss that he was going to be the starting quarterback. The first-round pick (sixth overall) from Oregon was unfazed and nearly led the Chargers to an upset of defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City before the Chiefs prevailed 23-20 on a 58-yard overtime field goal by Harrison Butker.
Herbert completed 22 of 33 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown along with one interception. He also rushed for a score.
Yet Lynn insists Taylor is the selection to start against the visiting Carolina Panthers this Sunday over Herbert.
“There’s a lot we didn’t get done with Justin on the field yesterday,” Lynn said Monday. “He’s a backup for a reason. … It’s not like we won the damn game yesterday. We lost, last time I checked.”
The possibility looms that Taylor might not be physically well enough to play against the Panthers. But Lynn said he sees that as something to be discussed later in the week.
“I know we can win with either quarterback,” Lynn said. “But the veteran quarterback right now gives us the best chance to win.”
Taylor started the Chargers’ season-opening 16-13 victory the Cincinnati Bengals and was 16-of-30 passing for 208 yards.
