SEPTEMBER 23: X-rays on Herbert’s ankle came back negative, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. That is an encouraging sign, although his status over the course of the coming week will of course be carefully monitored. How Herbert progresses over the coming days will determine his ability to return to the lineup.
SEPTEMBER 22: Justin Herbert battled an ankle injury during the build-up to Week 3, leading to questions about his availability. The Chargers’ franchise passer did indeed start today’s contest, but he reaggravated the injury and was pulled in the third quarter.1
A sack caused Herbert to limp off the field, and head coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game he decided at that point to make a change at quarterback. Taylor Heinicke took over for the remainder of the contest, but he took three sacks and did not lead any scoring drives. The Chargers lost 20-10 to the Steelers, dropping them to 2-1. The most important situation to monitor is of course Herbert’s status, though.
The 26-year-old was in a walking boot after the game, as noted by ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry. That comes as no surprise given the nature in which he was injured, and his progress in recovering over the coming days will be a key storyline. Herbert may not need to practice for the Bolts to determine he is able to play in Week 4, although a cautious approach would also be reasonable. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year said X-rays were taken on his foot after the game.
The Chargers inked Herbert to an extension which temporarily made him the league’s highest-paid player last offseason. That $52.5MM-per-year accord has been surpassed multiple times since, but he is still the centerpiece of Los Angeles’ offense. His health is paramount, although some eyebrows were raised by the Chargers’ decision to start him given how serious the injury was over the past week. Further testing will no doubt take place before a prognosis emerges, although Herbert added he is hopeful to play in Week 4.
Heinicke was acquired via trade from the Falcons ahead of the roster cutdown deadline. With Atlanta signing Kirk Cousins in free agency and selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft, Heinicke assumed he would be on a new team by the start of the season. The 31-year-old is a veteran of 29 starts, so he would represent an experienced option if the Chargers were to be sit Herbert. Updates on the latter’s status will be worth watching closely.