Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh says Justin Herbert ‘working through’ ankle injury, expects QB to play vs. Steelers Sep 18, 2024

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is dealing with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers, but head coach Jim Harbaugh believes the starter will suit up in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Harbaugh said 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.”

Harbaugh didn’t indicate what level of participation Herbert would have in Wednesday’s practice.

The Chargers are staying in Charlotte, North Carolina, this week before heading to Pittsburgh for Sunday’s game.

Herbert suffered the injury in the Week 2 blowout victory over Carolina. In the third quarter, the Chargers QB attempted to escape the pocket but was yanked from behind while getting crunched from the front. The dual collision caused Herbert’s legs to get trapped under linebacker DJ Johnson, who rolled up on the QB. Herbert didn’t miss a snap but was seen limping following the contest.

Harbaugh said Monday that X-rays came back negative on Herbert’s right leg.

If Herbert can’t start Sunday against the Steelers, Harbaugh noted that Easton Stick would get the nod over Taylor Heinicke.

“Right now it’s Easton,” he said. “But we are going to be way over the legal limit of ‘what ifs’ if this or if that.”