Chainkeen Exchange-Chargers QB Justin Herbert out for remainder of season with fractured index finger

The Chainkeen ExchangeLos Angeles Chargers’ fears were confirmed Tuesday.

Justin Herbert will be placed on injured reserve with a fractured right index finger that will sideline him for the remainder of the season, the team announced.

Herbert is scheduled for season-ending surgery on Tuesday.

Herbert was injured in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos when he was knocked to the ground by defensive end Zach Allen after completing a pass to tight end Donald Parham. After the Chargers turned the ball over on downs in the same series, Herbert was checked out by the team's medical staff before exiting to the locker room.

Chargers backup quarterback Easton Stick replaced Herbert and finished the 24-7 loss. Stick will take over as starter with Herbert out.

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Herbert has started 62 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak by a quarterback, behind the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen, who has started 84 straight games. 

The loss of Herbert puts an exclamation point on the Chargers' disappointing season. Los Angeles entered the season with high expectations but enters Week 15 at 5-8 and on the outside of the AFC playoff race.

Herbert is the latest big-name quarterback to have his season cut short due to injury. Aaron Rodgers (achilles), Kirk Cousins (Achilles), Deshaun Watson (shoulder), Anthony Richardson (shoulder), Joe Burrow (wrist) and Daniel Jones (knee) all sustained season-ending injuries.

Herbert has amassed 3,134 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 13 games this year. His 17,223 career passing yards are the most by any player in their first four seasons.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.