The Chargers finished the 2023 season without Justin Herbert, who was dealing with a finger injury. The results were all too predictable. Los Angeles went 0-4 to close out the season, all with Easton Stick under center.
2024 has brought new life to the Chargers. The franchise is off to a 2-0 start under Jim Harbaugh, who hasn't asked Herbert to do too much and instead has relied on the running game.
That might make the Chargers better equipped to handle any time Herbert misses, but the scenario of anyone other than the fifth-year quarterback taking snaps is still a nightmare for a team that now has legitimate playoff hopes.
Here's what you need to know about the latest injury plaguing Herbert and his status ahead of Week 3.
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Justin Herbert injury update
Herbert is dealing with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's win over the Panthers.
Harbaugh said Wednesday that Herbert is "feeling much better" than he was at the start of the week, but he didn't reveal whether the quarterback would practice in full. Herbert was later listed as "did not practice" on the Chargers' official report.
Herbert was able to finish Sunday's game despite his ankle getting rolled up under a defender, but he underwent X-rays after the win. X-rays ruled out a serious injury, though the Chargers could play it safe with Herbert so early in the season.
Justin Herbert suffered his ankle injury on this play vs. Panthers. He did not miss a snap and finished the game. pic.twitter.com/5See8nkAnT
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 18, 2024
Herbert was seen Thursday at practice with a lot of tape around his ankle.
Justin Herbert off to the side during team stretch today. Can see some significant taping on his right ankle. pic.twitter.com/MtASspee8G
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 20, 2024
Despite the uncertainty about Herbert's practice plans, Harbaugh indicated he expects him to start against the Steelers in Week 3.
"Crystal ball? I expect him to [play]," Harbaugh told reporters, adding that Herbert is "getting better every day." Herbert was seen limping after Sunday's win.
Herbert himself didn't express the same optimism outright, saying it's "yet to be decided" if he'll play against the Steelers. He also offered a not-so-positive report on the pain he is still experiencing in his ankle.
Justin Herbert said it’s “yet to be decided” whether he’ll play Sunday. He said the injury is a high right ankle sprain. Also said the pain is “not great.”
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 20, 2024
“Thankfully it’s only Friday.” pic.twitter.com/cPfcDhl4d7
Herbert missed much of training camp with a plantar fascia injury to his foot. The Chargers insisted he would be ready for Week 1, and he easily met that timeline. The ankle injury affects the same lower leg, so there's no doubt Los Angeles will make sure all is well before giving him the green light to start in Pittsburgh.
MORE: Why Justin Herbert now hates elevators
Who is the Chargers' backup QB?
Stick remains No. 2 on the Chargers' depth chart and would be expected to get the start if Herbert were forced to sit out.
"Right now it's Easton," Harbaugh told reporters Wednesday.
When asked who would start if Herbert can't go, Harbaugh said, "Right now, it's Easton (Stick). But we're going to be way over the legal limit for of what-ifs."
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 18, 2024
Stick finished last season under center for the Chargers, making his first four career starts, but a rocky preseason by the former North Dakota State QB led Los Angeles to trade for more depth ahead of Week 1. The Chargers acquired Taylor Heinicke from the Falcons, generating speculation that the veteran might leap Stick on the depth chart.
That hasn't happened yet, but Heinicke does have the experience advantage with 29 NFL starts under his belt and 39 touchdowns to 28 interceptions through the air.
Harbaugh certainly hopes a decision between Stick and Heinicke never has to be made, as Herbert is essential to the Chargers' playoff hopes and appears to be on track to play in Week 3.
