FLOWERY BRANCH – Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who played through a rib injury earlier this season, is off to a great start heading into Sunday’s game against the Falcons (1 p.m., Mercedes-Benz Stadium).
Herbert, who is coming off the bye week, has completed 203 of 308 passes (65.9%) for 2,009 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has a passer rating of 91.8.
“Justin is one of the top players in the league,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “He’s playing at a really high level.”
Herbert suffered a rib injury in the second game of the season in a 27-24 loss to the Chiefs. He finished the game.
He played the following week against Jacksonville and was less than 100%. The Jaguars beat the Chargers 38-10 on Sept. 25.
“He has experienced a lot this season,” Staley said. “For the first time, you know, starting with the (rib) injury that he had to deal with. His first time as a pro that he’s had to deal with one of those. He showed a lot of resiliency as a player.”
After the loss to Jacksonville, Herbert led the Chargers on a three-game winning streak.
“He has had to do it without a lot of key weapons,” Staley said. “We’ve had a bunch of receivers down, tight ends, backs and a couple of linemen. So, he’s been able to really prove himself under some tough circumstances, and that’s what the NFL is about.”
With left tackle Rashawn Slater out with a torn bicep, former Georgia standout Jamaree Salyer, a sixth-round (195th overall) pick, has started the past four games and protects Herbert’s blind side.
“Jamaree is one of us,” Staley said. “He’s tough. He’s rugged. He’s smart. He’s versatile. I have a really good relationship with (Georgia coach) Kirby Smart. We’re sure glad that we drafted him.”
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The Bow Tie Chronicles
Atlanta Falcons 2022 schedule
Sept. 11: Saints 27, Falcons 26
Sept. 18: Rams 31, Falcons 27
Sept. 25 Falcons 27, Seahawks 23
Oct. 2 Falcons 23, Browns 20
Oct. 9 Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15
Oct. 16 Falcons 28, 49ers 14
Oct. 23 Bengals 35, Falcons 17
Oct. 30 Falcons 37, Panthers 34 OT
Nov. 6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 10 at Carolina, 8:15 p.m.
Nov. 20 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m.
Nov. 27 at Washington, 1 p.m.
Dec. 4 vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
BYE WEEK
Dec. 18 at New Orleans, TBD
Dec. 24 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Jan. 1 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.
Jan. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, TBD
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