Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Wednesday that Herbert is “working through” the ankle issue.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert Returns to Practice, Right Ankle Heavily Taped
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday after being out yesterday. In the video posted by Kris Rhim of ESPN, it appeared that Herbert’s right ankle was heavily taped.
https://twitter.com/krisrhim1/status/1836807774103122162
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.”
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.
“He can make every throw. Very confident player. A great athlete, too,” Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson said on Wednesday. “That’s not really talked about a lot. … Just a confident quarterback back there, man, who can put the team on his back at any given moment.”
The Chargers stayed in Charlotte following Sunday’s win and are practicing at UNC-Charlotte before flying to Pittsburgh on Saturday to play at the Steelers next Sunday.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh felt cutting back on traveling and staying on the East Coast was the best thing for his team.
“Getting the body clock right, cutting down on the travel time, not just in the air,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the main reason for doing it. The 10 a.m. West Coast body clock. Just what the studies have shown from people smarter than me.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.
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