Justin Herbert’s Week 3 status is officially up in the air.
The Los Angeles Chargers listed the star quarterback as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an ankle injury.
Herbert – who didn’t practice Friday – said he’s dealing with a high ankle sprain and that the pain is “not great,” according to Kris Rhim of ESPN.
“Thankfully, it’s only Friday,” Herbert added.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday that he expected Herbert to play. However, the 26-year-old passer said Friday it’s “yet to be decided” whether he’ll face the Steelers.
Herbert has completed 67.4% of his passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns against one interception to help Los Angeles win its first two games of the 2024 season. The Chargers have heavily relied on their run game, ranking seventh in the NFL in rushing attempts ahead of their Week 3 matchup.
If Herbert is unavailable, L.A. could turn to either Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke under center. Stick has been with the team since 2019 but has only started four games.
“I’m not gonna reveal what any of the contingencies are,” Harbaugh said Friday when asked about his QB plans, according to Alex Insdorf of the “Guilty As Charged Podcast.”
Los Angeles acquired Heinicke in August, sending the Atlanta Falcons a conditional sixth-round pick in return. He has 29 starts under his belt.
“I haven’t seen anyone get up to speed as quickly as Taylor has,” Harbaugh said of Heinicke.
