Report: Chargers Team Doctor Accidentally Punctured QB Tyrod Taylor’s Lung

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers’ team doctor reportedly accidentally punctured quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s lung.

Taylor was supposed to start in the Chargers’ home opener against Kansas City on Sunday but was a late scratch from the lineup. Los Angeles turned to rookie quarterback Justin Herbert who made his NFL debut on Sunday.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Taylor was receiving a pain-killing injection to his cracked ribs when the team doctor accidentally punctured his lung. The NFL Players Association is investigating the medical mishap.

The Chargers’ team doctor accidentally punctured his own quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s lung just before kickoff Sunday while trying to administer a pain-killing injection to the quarterback’s cracked ribs, league and team sources told ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2020

Following the injury, the team doctors advised Taylor to not play “indefinitely.” Taylor started in the season opener two weeks ago and threw for 208 yards. Los Angeles beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-13.

Taylor is in his 10th season in the league after being taken in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He has had stops in Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland and Los Angeles.

Doctors have advised Tyrod Taylor not to play "indefinitely” due to his punctured lung. The Chargers were hoping Taylor would be able to start Sunday, but doctors are against it. https://t.co/FHm7aJXC8o

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2020

Last week against Kansas City, Justin Herbert passed for 311 yards, one touchdown and one interception while running in another score. The Chiefs knocked off the Chargers in overtime, 23-20.

Herbert was taken by the Chargers with the 6th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Los Angeles will return to their brand new SoFi Stadium on Sunday when they host the Carolina Panthers at 2:05 p.m. on CBS.