Justin Herbert plays through pain to keep Chargers in game, earns praise from NFL world

Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert appeared to suffer a painful ribs injury in the fourth quarter of the team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.

Herbert took a shot from pass rusher Mike Danna and put the quarterback in a world of hurt. Clearly in some discomfort, Herbert took a playoff and then came back into the game. He was clearly hurting but managed to throw a 35-yard dot to DeAndre Carter to set up the team’s next score.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, right, scrambles as Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Carlos Dunlap II (8) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The young quarterback then found Joshua Palmer for the touchdown pass. The Chargers cut the deficit to three but couldn’t get the ball back on the onside kick.

Kansas City won the game 27-24.

CHARGERS’ DERWIN JAMES JR LEVELS TRAVIS KELCE, SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS: ‘BIG BOY BALL’

Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers lays on the ground after being hit during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Amazon’s Charissa Thompson said after the game that Herbert was getting X-rays. Chargers coach Brandon Staley said they will learn more about the injury Friday, according to ESPN.

Herbert’s performance in the final 4 minutes of the game earned him the respect of the NFL world. He clearly played through pain and at one point couldn’t even attempt to run for a first down in fear of getting hit and exacerbating his injury.

He finished the game 33-for-48 with 334 passing yards and three touchdown passes.

Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers is helped off the field by the medical staff after being hit during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Chargers fell to 1-1 on the season. The Chiefs improved to 2-0 on the year.