NFL teams
Shelley Smith, ESPN Reporter 3y

Justin Herbert named Los Angeles Chargers' starting QB

NFL, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn on Thursday named rookie quarterback Justin Herbert the team's starter going forward.

Lynn had said Tyrod Taylor, who was sidelined after a team doctor accidentally punctured his lung while giving him a painkilling injection, would start when he was 100% healthy. But after watching Herbert wow the league with impressive numbers against the Kansas City Chiefs in an overtime loss, a close loss to the Carolina Panthers and another close loss to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- all three were by less than one score -- Lynn said he changed his mind.

"He impressed from the very beginning," Lynn said. "This young man is going to continue to get better and I know we can win with him. I believe that.

"I did not take that decision lightly. It's not a decision where he's going to be looking over his shoulder... he's our quarterback."

Lynn said Taylor did not take the decision well -- "he's a competitor" -- but believes Taylor will continue to mentor Herbert the rest of the season.

His next start will be his first on Monday Night Football, against the Saints in New Orleans.

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