Chargers QB Justin Herbert listed as questionable, likely to be game-time decision against Steelers

Published Sep. 20, 2024 5:01 p.m. ET

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Justin Herbert's status for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh could come down to a game-time decision after the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback did not practice on Friday because of a high right ankle sprain.

Herbert is listed as questionable on the injury report but said it is “something that’s yet to be decided” on if he can play.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Herbert did not practice on Friday after consulting with trainers and the team's medical staff.

“It’s just getting it to a point where you feel comfortable going out there and being able to move,” Herbert said following practice at UNC Charlotte. “It’s a fast game out there, and just being able to protect yourself, get around and handle all those things."

Herbert’s right ankle got rolled up on during the third quarter of last Sunday’s 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He did not practice on Wednesday and was listed as limited on Thursday after doing some light throwing.

The Chargers, 2-0 for the first time since 2012, remained in Charlotte this week with consecutive games in the Eastern time zone.

It is the second time in Herbert’s five-year career he has been listed as questionable going into a game. The other was two years ago before a Week 3 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars when Herbert had fractured rib cartilage after taking a hard hit during a prime time game in Kansas City.

Herbert was 25 of 45 for 297 yards with one touchdown and one interception in that game against the Jaguars, but the Chargers lost 38-10.

Since that rib injury, Herbert also had a torn labrum to his non-throwing shoulder near the end of the 2022 season and two broken fingers last year, including one on his throwing hand that caused him to miss the final four games.

He also missed two weeks during training camp because of an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot.

“I would never step foot on a field that I didn’t feel comfortable playing in. Whether it’s been the ribs or it’s been broken fingers, I’ve felt comfortable, ready and prepared to go out there. I know that we’ll do the same process and we’ll see what plays out," Herbert said.

Herbert has done plenty of icing and compression on the ankle along with make sure he has mostly stayed off his feet to limit the swelling and pain.

Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke are Herbert's backups, but Harbaugh wasn't going to tip his hand on who would start if Herbert can't go.

Stick, who is in his sixth season, started the final four games last season. Heinicke was acquired from the Atlanta Falcons at the end of the preseason. He started 29 games during his seven-year career, but was inactive the first two games of the season and was listed as the emergency third QB.

“Justin’s doing everything necessary to be able to play on Sunday," Harbaugh said. “Easton and Taylor have both had a great week of practice.”

Wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf), linebacker Bud Dupree (illness), safety Alohi Gilman (knee) and cornerback Ja’sir Taylor (fibula) are also listed as questionable. Linebacker Junior Colson will miss Sunday's game because of a hamstring injury.

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