Justin Herbert’s Injury Status Puts Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes in Peril

The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff destiny may hinge on an opponent’s injured quarterback. Star Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is listed as questionable for Monday night’s crucial game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert underwent surgery on his non-throwing hand just last week. His availability directly impacts the fading hopes of the Dallas Cowboys.

According to reports from Bolt Beat, Herbert is trending toward playing. He returned to practice as a limited participant following the procedure. This development is critical for a Cowboys team needing every possible break.

A Season Hanging in the Balance

The math is now brutal for Dallas. Their loss to Detroit last Thursday dropped their playoff odds sharply. Winning the NFC East is their clearest path to the postseason.

That requires the Philadelphia Eagles to stumble. The Cowboys must win their final four games. They also need the Eagles to lose at least two of theirs.

A Chargers victory over Philadelphia on Monday is essential. With Herbert, the Chargers remain a dangerous opponent. Without him, their chances plummet dramatically.

The Domino Effect of a Single Game

The alternative quarterback for Los Angeles is Trey Lance. The Cowboys famously traded for Lance before the 2023 season. He presents a far less formidable challenge for the Eagles’ defense.

A Philadelphia win would be devastating for Dallas. It would force the Cowboys to rely on the Eagles losing three of their final four games. Philadelphia’s schedule includes matchups with the Raiders and Commanders, making that scenario unlikely.

Therefore, the Cowboys’ entire season could be decided on a Monday night. Their fate rests in the hands—specifically the injured left hand—of Justin Herbert.

The Dallas Cowboys’ path to the playoffs is now a narrow thread. That thread depends heavily on Justin Herbert defying his injury status to beat the Eagles. A loss for Philadelphia on Monday night is not just a hope for Cowboys fans—it is an absolute necessity.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What is Justin Herbert’s injury status?

Justin Herbert is listed as questionable for Monday’s game. He had surgery on his left, non-throwing hand last week. He has been a limited participant in practice since the procedure.

Q2: Why do the Cowboys need the Chargers to win?

The Cowboys need the Eagles to lose games to win the NFC East. A Chargers victory over Philadelphia is a key part of that equation. It keeps the divisional race within reach for Dallas.

Q3: What happens if Justin Herbert cannot play?

Backup quarterback Trey Lance would likely start for the Chargers. This significantly reduces Los Angeles’s chance of beating the Eagles. The Cowboys’ playoff odds would suffer a major blow as a result.

Q4: What are the Cowboys’ current playoff chances?

Their chances fell below 10% after losing to Detroit. Winning their division is their most realistic path. That requires them to win out and get considerable help from other teams.

Q5: Who would replace Herbert if he’s out?

Former Cowboys acquisition Trey Lance would be the next man up. Lance has seen very little regular-season action. His ability to challenge a strong Eagles defense is considered limited.