Chargers' Tyrod Taylor cleared to return after punctured lung

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor has fully recovered from a punctured lung. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor cleared to return after punctured lung

By Blake Harper | Last updated 10/22/20

Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been cleared to return after suffering a punctured lung that has sidelined him since Week 2.

Taylor began the season as Los Angeles' starting quarterback and even led the team to a win against the Cincinnati Bengals in their opener. Unfortunately, he has been out since, as the team doctor accidentally punctured his lung just before the team's Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The doctor was attempting to administer pain medication due to a rib injury but instead, Taylor was rushed to the hospital.

#Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor, out about a month with a punctured lung, has been medically cleared, source said. While Justin Herbert remains the starter, Taylor could return as the backup vs. the #Jaguars if the week of practice goes well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2020

Sadly, Taylor will not be returning as the starter, as rookie quarterback Justin Herbert has been off to a historically good start to his career since taking over. Despite the team going 0-4, coach Anthony Lynn said that Herbert had played more than well enough to earn himself the starting job permanently. For Taylor, that means he will be returning to the sidelines instead of the field.

What really hurts for Taylor is that this is the second time in his career he has permanently lost his job due to injury rather than poor play. In 2018, he was the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns when he was taken out of the game after being concussed. Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield took over and ended up taking the job from Taylor entirely.

Taylor will be a free agent after the season, so he could find a starting job elsewhere, though he may be better off accepting his role as a backup who can hold the starting job until a young gun is ready to take over.

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