It appeared that Justin Herbert was injured while throwing hard during the second half of the Los Angeles Chargers game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.

ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath was able to provide a quick update on the Chargers quarterback, who didn’t miss a single snap because his hand bothered him.

“After LA’s final drive, Justin Herbert came to the sideline and immediately signaled to the medical staff to look at his right hand,” McGrath said. “They looked closely at his thumb and placed a heating pad on that hand. I’m told he’s doing fine, but he keeps opening and closing his hand.

“The offensive line was also very frustrated with their inability to protect their quarterback. Remember, Jim Harbaugh said we must protect Herbert at all costs.

Herbert was sacked three times before McGrath’s report, who was trailing the Cardinals 7-6 at the time. Not only that, but the Chargers’ rushing attack was also held under 50 yards at that point, with the majority of their offensive production coming through Herbert through the air. If his throwing hand gets hurt, it could hinder LA’s offense in the final quarter.

This isn’t the first time the Chargers franchise quarterback has gotten into trouble during the regular season. Last month, Herbert was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, but he managed to tolerate the pain. He hasn’t missed a game for Los Angeles this season.

Justin Herbert is in his fifth season in the NFL after being drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has had an excellent start to his career, including being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2021.

It is unclear the severity of Herbert’s injury, and whether he will have to miss practice time to allow the injury to heal in the future.