The Los Angeles Chargers will face the Steelers in Pittsburgh in Week 3, and they could be without their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert, who is dealing with a high-ankle sprain.
Many fans wonder who the starting quarterback would be if Herbert is ruled out. Coach Jim Harbaugh did not reveal who the starter would be, but he did hint at who has the edge between Taylor Heinicke and Easton Stick.
Harbaugh on the backup quarterback situation:
"I'm not gonna reveal what any of the contingencies are." He added, "I haven't seen anyone get up to speed as quickly as Taylor [Heinicke] has."
Jim Harbaugh on which QB will start if Herbert is ruled out against the Steelers:
— Chargers Central (@BoltCentral) September 20, 2024
“I'm not gonna reveal what any of the contingencies are."
But added about Heinicke:
“I haven’t seen anyone get up to speed as quickly as Taylor has.” 👀#BoltUp https://t.co/23Chn5fxC6
If Harbaugh's comments were any indicator, get ready to see Heinicke on the field as the QB1 on Sunday if Herbert can't give it a go. Heinicke has been a starter in the past and has shown signs of improvement over the years, whereas Stick has not shown much improvement based on the starts we saw during the preseason.
Heinicke's best season was in 2021 with the Washington Commanders, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. In terms of a backup QB, Heinicke is arguably one of the top backups in the league.
In 2023, Easton Stick was given the opportunity to prove himself as a starting quarterback after Justin Herbert was ruled out for the season. In five appearances, Stick threw for 1,129 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
The Steelers vs. Chargers game is projected to be low-scoring, and running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards should receive heavy workloads.
Expect many run schemes from OC Greg Roman in Week 3.
MORE CHARGERS NEWS
Chargers final Week 3 injury report
Chargers vs. Steelers series history
Week 3 start/sit for Chargers players
