Los Angeles Chargers routed 44-22 by Texans, fall to 0-8 as Herbert suffers possible fractured finger

The Los Angeles Chargers lost 44-22 to the Houston Texans on Sunday, falling to 0-8 as the NFL's only winless team, while quarterback Justin Herbert hurt the middle finger on his left hand in the fourth quarter. Coach Jim Harbaugh said it “could be a fracture,” and Herbert will undergo further testing on Monday.

Stroud throws five touchdowns as Houston pulls away

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw five touchdown passes for 384 yards as Houston outgained Los Angeles 485 to 315. The Chargers were sacked eight times, with Will Anderson, Sheldon Rankins and Jadeveon Clowney each recording two sacks.

Herbert throws a 58-yard touchdown hurt, then is pulled

Herbert hurt his left, non-throwing hand when he was sacked by Logan Hall in the fourth quarter, trying to stiff-arm the lineman before falling. He stayed in and, two plays later, threw a 58-yard touchdown to Quentin Johnston, ending a streak of 38 possessions without a touchdown — but Harbaugh then decided to take him out. Herbert finished 13-of-23 for 193 yards, one touchdown and one interception. “It could be a fracture. We'll find out,” Harbaugh said after the game. Herbert himself said it “shouldn't be an issue”; the Chargers face the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football next week. Herbert had the same hand surgically repaired during the 2025 season after breaking a bone in a Week 13 game.

Backup makes NFL debut as losing streak reaches 11

Backup quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei made his NFL debut, completing 2 of 7 passes for 24 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers' losing streak, dating to last season, has reached 11 games; the Texans have won three of their last four after an 0-4 start.