Justin Herbert’s availability for Week 3 remains uncertain.
The Los Angeles Chargers have listed their starting quarterback as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, citing a high ankle sprain. Herbert, who did not participate in Friday’s practice, confirmed the injury and described the pain as “not great,” according to ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
“Thankfully, it’s only Friday,” Herbert noted, leaving open the possibility that he could still play.
Despite head coach Jim Harbaugh expressing optimism earlier in the week, Herbert, 26, said Friday that the decision regarding his participation is “yet to be decided.”
So far this season, Herbert has completed 67.4% of his passes, accumulating 274 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception, helping the Chargers secure victories in their first two games of the 2024 season. Los Angeles has leaned on their run game, ranking seventh in the NFL in rushing attempts, heading into their Week 3 matchup against the Steelers.
If Herbert is unable to play, the Chargers may turn to Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke to fill the quarterback role. Stick, who has been with the team since 2019, has only four career starts. Meanwhile, Heinicke, acquired from the Atlanta Falcons in August for a conditional sixth-round pick, brings more experience, having started 29 games in his career.
“I’m not gonna reveal what any of the contingencies are,” Harbaugh said when asked about his quarterback plans for Sunday, as reported by Alex Insdorf from the “Guilty As Charged Podcast.”
Regarding Heinicke’s readiness, Harbaugh added, “I haven’t seen anyone get up to speed as quickly as Taylor has.”
The Chargers will likely wait until closer to game time to determine if Herbert is healthy enough to play against the Steelers.
