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Justin Herbert left the field following a helmet-to-helmet hit from San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw on Sunday night. However, the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback was given the all-clear to play again.
The incident resulted in a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness and officials ejected Greenlaw from the game. Herbert left the game, but was permitted to return after halftime. When Herbert received a clean bill of health to participate in the second half, Chargers supporters were finally able to breathe a little easier.
When Greenlaw hit him, Herbert had just sprinted five yards up the center and was being tackled by another player. After deliberations, officials decided Greenlaw's hit was sufficient to justify dismissal. There were roughly 30 seconds left in the first half at the time.
Herbert was declared to have avoided concussion and rejoined the game. He completed 21 of his 35 passes for 196 yards with a score and an interception, while also gaining 22 yards on five rushes.
At the time of his dismissal, Greenlaw led his team in tackles with seven. He was replaced by Azeez Al-Shaair, who recorded three tackles in his first game back from IR after a sprained knee.
With a victory over the Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers were able to climb up to 5-4. The Los Angeles Chargers have experienced numerous injury problems this season and also sit at 5-4.
Kyle Shanahan's thoughts on Dre Greenlaw's ejection for the hit on Justin Herbert
The decision to eject Greenlaw caught Kyle Shanahan by surprise. Here's what he said in the post-match interview:
"Blew my mind. I must find out what the punishment is before I accept it. There has to be a purpose or a requirement. That shocked me a lot. So that we can comprehend why we lost one of our players, they can teach us."
After closer examinations of the incident, the NFL may decide to punish Greenlaw further. This could result in fines and additional punishments, including a suspension.
The Chargers had a significant player shortage going into the game on Sunday. Injuries have wiped out their defense. They also suffered injuries to tight end Gerald Everett and linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. during the match. They were already missing Mike Williams, Trey Pipkins, and Keenan Allen on offense.
It will be interesting to see how they bounce back from this defeat.
