Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Wednesday that Herbert is “working through” the ankle issue.
Chargers Optimistic QB Justin Herbert Will Play vs. Steelers
Despite dealing with a high ankle sprain, there’s optimism that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will start on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Herbert is listed as questionable and will test the ankle before the game. But the Chargers believe their star quarterback will be good to go. At least that’s the hope.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Herbert feels better on Saturday than he did Friday. The Steelers have expected Herbert but prepared for alternatives, too.
Herbert said on Friday his ankle is “getting better every day” and described the pain as “not great.”
“Thankfully it’s only Friday,” Herbert said.
Rapoport reported that Herbert was “extremely limited” during Thursday’s practice. He also did not practice on Friday. For the second day in a row, Herbert’s right ankle was heavily taped.
Herbert’s mobility will be something to keep an eye on for Sunday’s game, especially with Steelers outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith coming off the edge. Herbert, who’s effective as a runner, rushed for 90 yards in the last meeting against the Steelers in 2021.
Herbert told reporters after Sunday’s win over Carolina that he got X-Rays done on his ankle. Herbert was seen walking with a noticeable limp while returning to the Chargers’ locker room after the game.
“I must’ve just got rolled up,” Herbert said. “Big pile, got rolled up. Walked off, was a little sore, taped it up, went in and got X-rays. I’ll know more in the next couple of days, but was able to finish the game and keep moving around on it.”
“Crystal ball? I expect him to [play] — he’s getting better every day,” Harbaugh said when asked if there was a possibility Herbert might not play in Pittsburgh. “Last night, we had a meeting with him and he’s feeling much better and good today.”
If Herbert were to miss Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke will get the start.
“Right now it’s Easton,” Harbaugh said. “But we are going to be way over the legal limit of ‘what ifs’ if this or if that.”
In addition to Herbert, safety Alohi Gilman (knee), wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf), cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula) and outside linebacker Bud Dupree (illness) are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Linebacker Junior Colston (hamstring) has been ruled out.
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