NFL
Justin Herbert doubtful for Steelers clash: injury status and updates
The Chargers quarterback did not practice Wednesday as a result of the injury he suffered against the Carolina Panthers at the weekend.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers are set to headline one of two matchups between undefeated teams after the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL regular season. However, the AFC West side might be without their starting quarterback. Justin Herbert picked up an ankle injury during the third quarter of Sunday’s 26-3 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Justin Herbert’s foot problems
Medical staff strapped Herbert’s ankle and the quarterback was able to finish the game. On the first injury report of the week, the Oregon native was listed as DNP (Did Not Practice), and his status for the game against the Steelers was not specified. The ankle injury affects his right foot - the same foot in which he suffered plantar fasciitis in during training camp back in August.
With that in mind, head coach Jim Harbaugh is optimistic about Herbert’s fitness and is quietly confident that he will be available for selection. “If I had to guess, I hope so,” the coach responded when asked if the QB1 would be in contention. “We had a meeting with him last night and he’s feeling a lot better today.”
In the two opening games of the 2024 campaign, Herbert has completed 31 of 46 passes for 274 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He has also generated 24 yards on the ground.
Who will be the Chargers’ starter if Herbert can’t play?
If Herbert can’t face the Steelers, Harbaugh has Easton Stick as his number one choice to take on the starting role. That scenario would see Taylor Heinicke fill in as the backup. Stick filled in for Herbert in four games last year, and the Chargers lost all of them; during that span he had 950 yards passing with three touchdowns and one interception.
The Los Angeles Chargers will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL regular season at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sunday 22 September 2024 with the game scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
The Chargers top the AFC West with a 2-0 record, the same as the Steelers who head the AFC North following wins against the Falcons and the Broncos.