Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered an ankle injury in a 26-3 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Herbert didn’t practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and sat out once again on Friday.
Herbert told the media on Monday that he has a high ankle sprain. As far as whether he’ll be able to suit up Sunday against the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers, that’s currently up in the air.
“It’s something that has yet to be decided,” Herbert said, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.
Herbert said he’s experiencing pain in the ankle when movement is involved, be it forward or sideways. Herbert sounded hopeful he’ll be ready to roll, noting the ankle is improving but “thankful it’s only Friday.”
“If I step foot on the field, I want to feel comfortable and know that I’m in a safe place, understanding that there are inherent risks while playing football,” Herbert said. “But being able to defend yourself, move around and not take unnecessary hits, I think as long as I’m able to do that, then I think the game plan is open.”
If Herbert isn’t able to go it remains to be seen who the starting quarterback will be. While Easton Stick has been with the Chargers since 2019 and has backed up Herbert the first two games this year, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Taylor Heinicke was elevated to starter. Heinicke was traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Chargers in late August for a conditional sixth-round pick and has a 13-15-1 record as a starter compared to Stick’s record of 0-4.
“Until I really know exactly what Justin’s status is, I’m not going to really reveal any of what the contingencies are,” Harbaugh said.
Herbert has thrown for 274 yards through two games with three touchdowns, one interception and one lost fumble. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense will represent a big challenge for Herbert or whoever starts for the 2-0 Chargers, having held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 56.8, which ranks No. 1 in the NFL. The Steelers have also logged four interceptions, the second-best mark in the league.
Every game is important on the schedule, but the challenges will only get stiffer for the Chargers from here with a tilt against the 2-0 divisional rival Kansas City Chiefs on the docket next weekend. If Los Angeles is to make a run at the AFC West and a deep playoff push, they’re going to need a healthy Herbert. Which is something he is not heading into the weekend.