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Herbert named Chargers' starting QB for remainder of season

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn announced Thursday that rookie Justin Herbert will be his team's starting quarterback moving forward, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Herbert started each of the last three games after team doctors accidentally punctured Tyrod Taylor's lung before Week 2.

Following Taylor's incident, Lynn stated the veteran would remain his starter when he returns to full health but didn't want the first-rounder to keep looking over his shoulder for the remainder of the campaign.

"This is why we brought him here: To be our franchise quarterback," he told reporters, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic.

The Chargers' head coach added the signal-caller's performance is what drove him to name Herbert the permanent starter.

"I did not take that decision (lightly) because Tyrod Taylor is a veteran quarterback in this league," Lynn said, per SB Nation's Jason B. Hirschhorn.

Herbert is completing 72% of his passes for 931 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions through three starts this season. He's generally played well even though he's yet to win a game.

Lynn said Taylor will return to practice this week and will be Herbert's backup on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints if healthy, according to NFL Network's James Palmer.

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