Hobbled Hopkins converts 4 field goals, including OT winner, as Chargers beat Broncos

Justin Herbert didn't throw a touchdown pass for the first time in 27 games. For once, it didn't matter thanks to the Los Angeles Chargers special teams.

Dustin Hopkins kicked four field goals, including a 39-yarder with 2:38 remaining in overtime, as the Chargers rallied for a 19-16 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Hopkins, who injured a hamstring during the first half, grimaced as he kicked the ball and fell to the ground before being picked up by teammates. The ninth-year kicker was inactive for last week's game against Cleveland due to a quadriceps injury.

Herbert, who is still recovering from fractured rib cartilage from a hit one month ago, appreciated Hopkins being able to gut it out.

"We've got so much respect for him. For him to go out there and play and put up with some pain like that, it was great to see," said Herbert, whose 56 attempts without a TD pass is an NFL record.

Coach Brandon Staley said Hopkins' hamstring kind of cramped up early, but started to loosen up during the second half.

"You can't say enough about him hanging in there," Staley said. "At the end we had no choice. We were going to kick no matter what."

Hopkins has five games with four or more field goals. It is also the first OT game-winner of his career.

"I was trying to focus on a little backswing and just get through the ball. And that was it," Hopkins said. "I wasn't thinking about the circumstance or anything like that."

The Chargers have won three straight to improve to 4-2. They are tied with Kansas City atop the AFC West. It is the first time in franchise history they have rallied from a double-digit deficit at the end of the first quarter to win.

Los Angeles was down 14-3 at the end of the first quarter last Sunday in Cleveland