Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered an ankle harm in a 26-3 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Herbert did not apply on Wednesday, was restricted on Thursday and sat out as soon as once more on Friday.
Herbert advised the media on Monday that he has a excessive ankle sprain. So far as whether or not he’ll have the ability to swimsuit up Sunday in opposition to the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers, that is at present up within the air.
“It’s one thing that has but to be determined,” Herbert mentioned, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.
Herbert mentioned he is experiencing ache within the ankle when motion is concerned, be it ahead or sideways. Herbert sounded hopeful he’ll be able to roll, noting the ankle is bettering however “grateful it is solely Friday.”
“If I step foot on the sector, I wish to really feel comfy and know that I’m in a protected place, understanding that there are inherent dangers whereas taking part in soccer,” Herbert mentioned. “However with the ability to defend your self, transfer round and never take pointless hits, I feel so long as I’m in a position to try this, then I feel the sport plan is open.”
If Herbert is not in a position to go it stays to be seen who the beginning quarterback can be. Whereas Easton Stick has been with the Chargers since 2019 and has backed up Herbert the primary two video games this yr, it would not be a shock 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 decide and has a 13-15-1 document as a starter in comparison with Stick’s document of 0-4.
“Till I actually know precisely what Justin’s standing is, I’m not going to actually reveal any of what the contingencies are,” Harbaugh mentioned.
Herbert has thrown for 274 yards via two video games with three touchdowns, one interception and one misplaced fumble. The Pittsburgh Steelers protection will signify an enormous problem for Herbert or whoever begins for the 2-0 Chargers, having held opposing quarterbacks to a passer score of 56.8, which ranks No. 1 within the NFL. The Steelers have additionally logged 4 interceptions, the second-best mark within the league.
Each sport is essential on the schedule, however the challenges will solely get stiffer for the Chargers from right here with a tilt in opposition to the 2-0 divisional rival Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on the docket subsequent weekend. If Los Angeles is to make a run on the AFC West and a deep playoff push, they’ll want a wholesome Herbert. Which is one thing he isn’t heading into the weekend.
