Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert told reporters he’s dealing with a high ankle sprain and his status for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is “yet to be determined.” The Chargers officially listed him as questionable. He did not practice on Friday.
Herbert noted that his ankle is “getting better every day” and described the pain as “not great.”
“Thankfully it’s only Friday,” Herbert said.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Herbert is expected to be active against the Steelers, but he was “extremely limited” during Thursday’s practice. 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.
For the second day in a row, Herbert’s right ankle was heavily taped.
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
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.”
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Wednesday that Herbert is “working through” the ankle issue.
“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 would 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.