The Los Angeles Chargers are undefeated as they eye a Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but their star quarterback is dealing with an injury issue as this week’s practices begin.
What’s going on with Justin Herbert after he briefly left Week 2’s game with an injury, and what’s his current status? Here’s all the latest news on the Chargers’ QB, including his availability for Sunday’s matchup
Latest Injury News on Chargers QB Justin Herbert
Herbert visited the injury tent during Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers after getting his right ankle rolled up on. While he received attention from Los Angeles’ medical staff, Herbert did not miss a snap.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that the X-rays on Herbert’s ankle came back negative. Harbaugh was vague when asked if Herbert had undergone an MRI, saying, “I’m sure there’ll be further evaluations as the week goes on.”
Justin Herbert suffered his ankle injury on this play vs. Panthers. He did not miss a snap and finished the game. pic.twitter.com/5See8nkAnT
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 18, 2024
After failing to practice on Wednesday, Herbert was a limited participant on Thursday. However, Herbert did not practice on Friday and revealed he’s battling a high-ankle sprain. He’s officially questionable for Sunday’s game.
High-ankle sprains are typically considered 4-6 week injuries, although quarterbacks can beat that timeline. On Friday, Herbert admitted his status for Week 3 is still being evaluated.
Earlier this week, Harbaugh said Easton Stick — not summer trade acquisition Taylor Heinicke — would start if Herbert couldn’t play. However, Harbaugh walked those comments back on Friday, suggesting that either quarterback could start.
Herbert missed multiple weeks of training camp with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot but was ready for Week 1.
Through two games, Herbert has completed 67.4% of his passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He ranks 14th in QBR.
Fantasy Implications If Herbert Doesn’t Play in Week 3
The Chargers traded for Heinicke before the start of the season but have been using Stick as their backup through the first two weeks. Heinicke has dressed as the third QB but has not been “active” in the conventional sense of the word.
Entering this season, Stick ranks 22nd on PFN’s NFL backup quarterback rankings. He did a solid job in Herbert’s absence last year but only threw three touchdowns in four starts — and all of them came in one game.
Herbert is clearly a superior quarterback to Stick, but the Chargers’ offense might not change all that much with the lesser option under center.
Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have committed to the run as expected. The Bolts rank fourth in rushing rate over expectation, suggesting they’re willing to run the ball in situations where the box count, down and distance, and other factors typically indicate a pass.
J.K. Dobbins looks reborn running behind Los Angeles’ elite offensive line. He leads the NFL with 266 rushing yards, ranks fifth in success rate (63%), and is the only running back averaging 5+ yards before contact and 4+ yards after contact, per TruMedia.
Gus Edwards hasn’t been as effective as Dobbins but has three more attempts (29) through two games. If Stick or Heinicke are under center, the Chargers will undoubtedly lean into both backs even more than they already have.
Joshua Palmer’s injury has clouded L.A.’s WR situation. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston lead the team with 11 targets. That duo has also split receiving touchdowns, with two for Johnston in Week 2 and one for McConkey in Week 1.
Even if Herbert is on the field, it’s hard to predict what kind of fantasy value the Chargers’ receivers might have if their quarterback is limited. As such, it might be best to avoid all Los Angeles fantasy options not named J.K. Dobbins.