Game status: Justin Herbert is ACTIVE and expected to start in Week 3 vs. the Steelers, per James Palmer.
Game day update: Adam Schefter is reporting Justin Herbert is “preparing to play vs. the Steelers, but the team is not expected to make a decision on its starting QB until pre-game warmups.”
The Los Angeles Chargers could be without starting quarterback Justin Herbert in Week 3 as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert has been dealing with a high ankle sprain that he suffered in last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers quarterback will be listed as questionable.
Herbert has been dealing with an injury to his right foot going back to the summer. During training camp, Herbert dealt with an injury to his planter fascia that forced him to wear a boot on his right foot for two weeks. Herbert said this week that they are two independent injuries.
The Chargers quarterback hasn’t been the prolific passer that many have been used to seeing over the past couple of years. Under Greg Roman and John Harbaugh, Los Angeles has leaned heavily in the game. In the Chargers’ two wins against the Panthers and Las Vegans Raiders, Herbert has thrown for 130 and 144 yards. However, he does have three touchdowns to just one interception.
Justing Herbert injury status
Herbert will be a game-time decision on Sunday against the Steelers. According to The Athletic’s Diana Russini, Herbert is trying to very hard play. He was seen on Wednesday practicing with his ankle heavily taped. However he did not practice on Wednesday or Friday. Said Russini, “For Herbert to play, I’m told the team is going to want to see that he can plant his foot and even get up on his toes.”
What Justin Herbert’s injury means for fantasy football
If Herbert does not play against the Steelers, it is uncertain who would get the start for the Chargers. Easton Stick is technically the team’s backup quarterback and has spent the most time on the roster. With that said, Taylor Heinicke signed to the roster right before the season and provides the most starting experience. Head coach John Harbaugh said on Friday, “I’m not gonna reveal what any of the contingencies are.”
Whether it is Herbert, Stick or Heinicke, Russini noted that Chargers are already planning a run-heavy game plan against the Steelers. Through the first two weeks of the season, running back JK Dobbins’ reunion with offensive coordinator Greg Roman could not be going any better. Dobbins had 135 yards in Week 1 and 131 yards rushing last week. With performances of 22.9 and 20.1 points, Dobbins is the RB4 on the season. The Steelers have been stingy against the run in 2024, but Dobbins should still provide RB2 upside based on volume alone.
After his performance in Week 1, Quentin Johnston was a popular pickup on the waiver wire. Chargers pass catchers haven’t been popular plays through two weeks and they should be avoided again in Week 3. Even if Herbert does play, the Chargers will be leaning on JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards which limits any potential upside with the pass catchers.
