Tyrod Taylor could dress for a game for the first time since Week 1. The veteran quarterback received medical clearance to return from the punctured lung he suffered in September, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
A chest injection prior to the Chargers’ Week 2 game against the Chiefs ended up sidelining Taylor for more than a month, leading to the Week 1 starter’s role changing upon return. Justin Herbert is now Los Angeles’ QB1. While that promotion would likely have come to fruition at some point this season, Taylor lost his job because of the injection mishap. The NFLPA began an investigation into this matter.
The Chargers have listed Taylor as questionable to dress for their Week 7 game against the Jaguars, but it appears likely he will suit up. Taylor practiced fully all week. Second-year passer Easton Stick has served as Herbert’s backup since the rookie took over.
Taylor being in uniform would certainly serve as a plus for the Chargers, who have one of the NFL’s top backups. The 31-year-old passer backed up Philip Rivers last season and, after being replaced in September 2018, was Baker Mayfield‘s caddy in Cleveland for most of a season. Taylor’s familiarity with Anthony Lynn goes back to their 2016 season together in Buffalo, when Lynn’s in-season promotion to offensive coordinator led to his Chargers hire.
Herbert has surpassed expectations in his first games as the Bolts’ starter. Despite injuries to Austin Ekeler, both his top receivers and multiple high-profile offensive linemen, the rookie quarterback ranks 12th in QBR and has thrown seven touchdown passes over his past two games. Taylor’s Chargers contract expires after the 2020 season.