The Los Angeles Chargers pushed the Kansas City Chiefs to overtime in a thriller on Sunday, despite losing starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a mysterious chest injury just before kickoff. Taylor was unable to play – the Chargers later said he had difficulty breathing – which forced rookie quarterback Justin Herbert into action.
Herbert was great in an unexpected debut, passing for 311 yards and one touchdown, but Chargers coach Anthony Lynn was strangely critical of his rookie QB on Monday, and confirmed that Taylor will be the starter whenever he’s healthy.
Via SI.com:
“I thought he came in and gave us a chance to win. But there’s a lot that you don’t know that we didn’t get done with Justin on the field. He’s a backup for a reason. He’s a rookie, and there’s a lot that he needs to learn about this game.”
A few days later, Lynn’s comments are starting to make a bit more sense. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that a Chargers team doctor accidentally punctured Taylor’s lung while administering an injection meant to help with a rib injury. According to ESPN, the NFL Players Association is investigating the incident.
Via ESPN:
“He planned to take a pain-killing injection for the rib injury Sunday, but after the Chargers doctor punctured his lung, Taylor wound up in the hospital Sunday night to be treated for the injury and the struggles he had breathing.
Doctors have advised Taylor not to play “indefinitely.” The Chargers wanted Taylor to start this week, but doctors are against it.”
NFL analysts and former players were stunned by the report.
Bruh!! They punctured Tyrod Taylor’s lung? Are you fricking kidding me!? Ain’t no dang way that’s supposed to happen. That’s nuts!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 23, 2020
Wow!!! I feel for Tyrod Taylor man.
*Injury attorney on line 1* https://t.co/VxNLEW9l8s— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 23, 2020
Team would be called the Tyrod Taylor Chargers by the time I get done if I was his lawyer this is insane https://t.co/Y1yEPmpPO5
— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) September 23, 2020
That Tyrod Taylor story….oh boy! pic.twitter.com/RY0hjQxO51
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) September 23, 2020
And this is why Lynn has been so forceful in saying Tyrod is his starting QB. Losing your job because of your own teams malpractice isn’t right. https://t.co/48dXMhwfEO
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) September 23, 2020
Sounds about right https://t.co/upby6owpSr
— Brandon Watts (@1on1wattsisland) September 23, 2020
