Chargers remain optimistic about Justin Herbert for Monday night …

However, the Pro Bowl quarterback remained limited in practice on Friday.

Justin Herbert underwent surgery on Monday to stabilize a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand. He suffered the injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s win over the Raiders. Trey Lance replaced Herbert briefly as the Chargers’ training staff placed a cast and glove over the hand. The Chargers protected Herbert by only running plays out of the shotgun and pistol formations.

Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Friday that Herbert has taken reps in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods this week, but has yet to take any snaps from under center.

“On track, optimistic, looked good out there,” Harbaugh told reporters, according to Chargers.com. “The really good thing, I’m going to ask him every day, Better today than yesterday?’

“Much better on Thursday than he was on Wednesday, Friday better than it was Thursday. We’re hopeful that tomorrow will be better than today.”

Herbert admitted that the added day of preparation for Monday night’s game will help him be able to play.

“Every extra day is huge. It’s obviously a situation where you have to see how it goes throughout the week,” Herbert said. “You’d love as much time as possible, so I think having an extra day doesn’t hurt. Just see how it goes.”

To alleviate the pressure on Herbert, the Chargers may get first-round pick Omarion Hampton back on the field. Hampton, who suffered an ankle fracture on October 5, was a full participant for the first time since returning to practice. Hampton has 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, this season. He also has 20 catches for 136 yards through the air.

Edge rusher Bud Dupree was a full participant on Friday after resting on Thursday. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who has seven receiving touchdowns on the year, was a full participant in Friday’s practice after being limited on Thursday due to a shoulder injury.

Chargers Injury Report

QB Justin Herbert (Left Hand)

OLB Bud Dupree (Rest)
RB Omarion Hampton (Ankle)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (Illness)
RB Hassan Haskins (Hamstring)
WR Quentin Johnston (Shoulder)
DL Otito Ogbonnia (Elbow)
G/T Trey Pipkins III (Back)
OL Jamaree Salyer (Shoulder)