Tyrod Taylor’s Lung Was Accidentally Punctured While Being Given Pain Killers

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Chargers’ team doctor accidentally punctured QB Tyrod Taylor’s lung just before kickoff Sunday while trying to administer a pain-killing injection to the quarterback’s cracked ribs.

Schefter adds that the NFL Players Association is investigating the medical mishap to see what steps it should take next.

Former NFL physician David Chao explained recently that this was likely the reason why Taylor was unavailable for Sunday’s game and dealing with chest pains that resulted in him being taken to the hospital. 

Chao mentioned that there’s always a risk of a lung being slightly punctured while administering pain-killers like this. 

The good news is that Taylor was released from the hospital is considered week-to-week. 

Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said that Taylor is still considered Los Angeles’ starting quarterback when healthy but it’s unclear when that will be. First-round QB Justin Herbert will start in Taylor’s place in the meantime.

Taylor, 31, is a former sixth-round pick of the Ravens back in 2011. After four years in Baltimore, Taylor signed on with the Bills for the 2015 season. Buffalo elected to trade Taylor to the Browns for a third-round pick last year. 

Taylor played out the final year of a two-year, $30.5 million contract before agreeing to a two-year contract worth $11 million with the Chargers last year. 

In 2020, Taylor has appeared in one game for the Chargers and completed 16 of 30 attempts (53.3 percent) for 208 yards and no touchdowns. He has also rushed for seven yards.