Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor was a late scratch by the team on Sunday against the Chiefs, for what was then-reported a chest injury. It has now been released that it was a punctured lung, caused by the medical staff while they were administering pain medicine for a rib injury.
Taylor was rushed to the hospital prior to the game, and rookie QB Justin Herbert took over the playing duties. Herbert did well, but the Chiefs beat the Chargers in overtime 23-20. And it doesn’t change the odd circumstances surrounding Taylor’s injury.
The NFLPA has initiated an investigation, as reported via Twitter by the union’s Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs George Atallah:
Our medical and legal team have been in touch with Tyrod and his agent since Sunday collecting facts. An investigation has been initiated. https://t.co/HuLFVivoyN
— George Atallah (@GeorgeAtallah) September 23, 2020
It should be noted, that per the CBA, players cannot sue, if they accept medical treatment by team doctors. And when getting it in the rib area, hitting the lung is always a possibility. No one expects to lose their starting job over it though. And that’s what Taylor is facing now.
Herbert finished 22-33 for 311 yards and a score and played well against the Super Bowl champs. But as HC Anthony Lynn stated, it was with a limited playbook. The coach has gone on the record as saying: “If he’s 100 percent ready to go, he’s our starter”, and I agree with him. Taylor may not be the passer Herbert is, but he’s been in that offense for a full season, been in the league 9 years, playoff experience, Pro Bowl QB, who has never thrown more than 6 INTs in a season. He has two 3,000-yd seasons, 54 TD passes as a starter. He’s also accounted for over 2,000-yds rushing, and 16 TDs in those 3 starting years.
Lynn should stand by Taylor. Herbert may have had a great game, but it’s just 1 game. And when it comes to the right thing to do, Taylor should be the starter when he gets healthy. If they can’t win with him, bring in Herbert.
This is likely his last shot a being a starter in the NFL. If he doesn’t get his starting job back in LA, it will because of a Dr’s mistake.
