Chargers QB Justin Herbert misses Wednesday’s practice after suffering ankle injury vs. Panthers (original) (raw)

Los Angeles Chargers listed quarterback Justin Herbert on Wednesday’s injury report with the ankle injury he suffered in Sunday’s win against the Carolina Panthers. Herbert did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.

Herbert injured his ankle while he faced pressure off his right side on a third down red zone play in the third quarter against Carolina. As he was brought down by edge rusher DJ Johnson, Herbert tried to get a pass off to running back Gus Edwards in the flat. However, due to the vulnerable position — Johnson had Herbert’s legs wrapped up while defensive lineman Jayden Peavy hit him up top — Herbert fumbled.

Herbert’s leg got caught underneath him awkwardly. He was slow to get up, saying after the game that he got his ankle tapped by the medical staff after the play. Herbert did not miss a snap and finished the game.

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When asked Wednesday if there is a possibility Herbert could miss Sunday’s game at the Steelers, coach Jim Harbaugh said, “Crystal ball? Expect him to get better every day. I was just in a meeting with him. Said he was feeling much better and good today.”

Herbert’s ankle injury is on the same side as the plantar fascia injury that kept him out of most of training camp.

The Chargers have started the season 2-0 with Herbert under center despite leading an offense without most of his top weapons from last season. Herbert has passed for 274 yards, three touchdowns and an interception this season.

Chargers’ plans if Herbert is unavailable Sunday

The Chargers have two other quarterbacks on the roster: Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke. The Chargers traded for Heinicke in late August. In both games this season, Stick has been the backup while Heinicke has been designated as the emergency third quarterback. On Wednesday, Harbaugh said “right now” Stick would start in place of Herbert if Herbert is unable to play. Harbaugh added: “But we’re going to be way over the legal limit of what-ifs.”

The Chargers’ run game has been a focal point of their two-game winning streak to begin the season. They will presumably lean further into that facet of their offense if Herbert misses Sunday’s game. The Chargers rushed for 219 yards against the Panthers and rank sixth in EPA per rush on the season, according to TruMedia. — Daniel Popper, Chargers beat writer

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(Photo: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)

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