India, Dec. 9 -- The Los Angeles Chargers got some much-needed positive news ahead of their high-stakes clash against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. Most notably quarterback Justin Herbert, who is officially listed as questionable, is expected to play. The 27-year-old underwent hand surgery earlier in the week but practiced on a limited basis and sounded confident about his availability.

"Yeah, that's the plan. To prepare as if I'm going to play," Herbert said Wednesday.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh echoed that optimism Friday. "On track, optimistic, looked good out there," he said, noting that Herbert has shown daily improvement. "Much better on Thursday than he was on Wednesday, Friday better than it was Thursday. We're hopeful that to...