Chargers doctor punctured Taylor's lung; Herbert will start Week 3

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn announced Wednesday that a team doctor accidentally punctured Tyrod Taylor's lung before kickoff Sunday while trying to administer a pain-killing injection to the quarterback's cracked ribs, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Doctors have advised Taylor to remain off the field "indefinitely," Schefter adds.

"Tyrod's not angry, not upset," said Lynn, who added that the doctor "just made a mistake."

First-round rookie Justin Herbert will start for a second straight game against the Carolina Panthers, Lynn confirmed.

Taylor was set to start the Chargers' Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs but was surprisingly sidelined after pregame warmup due to a chest injury, forcing Herbert to make his NFL debut.

The NFL Players Association has initiated an investigation into the incident involving Taylor, NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs George Atallah said Wednesday. The union has been in touch with Taylor and his agent since Sunday.

It was initially reported that Taylor had experienced difficulties breathing prior to kickoff and was taken to the hospital Sunday for further evaluation.

Despite Herbert's strong performance, Lynn said Sunday that Taylor will remain the club's starting quarterback when healthy.

The veteran signal-caller led the Chargers to an unimpressive 16-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in their season opener, completing 16 passes for 208 yards.

Meanwhile, Herbert lost in overtime to the Chiefs in Week 2, tossing for 311 yards and one touchdown against one interception. He also scored a rushing touchdown.

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