Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was diagnosed with a high right ankle sprain, leaving his status uncertain for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert expressed that the pain in his ankle is significant, and he was seen walking with a limp after addressing the media. He emphasized the importance of treatment, aiming to reduce swelling and manage pain in preparation for the game.
Herbert’s status for Sunday is listed as questionable, having missed practice on both Wednesday and Friday, with limited participation on Thursday. Despite his lack of practice, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Herbert’s recovery was progressing as planned and that skipping practice was part of a structured rehabilitation strategy. Herbert noted that he felt improvements each day and was focused on regaining his mobility.
The quarterback’s injury occurred during a previous game against the Carolina Panthers when he was tackled and his ankle was trapped under another player. Although he managed to play through the injury without missing snaps, he showed signs of discomfort afterward. This marks the second injury Herbert has faced this season; he previously dealt with a plantar fascia issue that required time in a walking boot during training camp.
Despite these injuries, Herbert has established himself as a durable player, starting 62 consecutive games prior to a finger fracture last season that ended his year prematurely. His resilience is notable, especially considering the Chargers struggled in his absence, finishing the last four games without a win. Herbert’s approach to injuries reflects a mindset of focusing on recovery rather than dwelling on setbacks.
Herbert acknowledged that injuries are an inevitable aspect of football and emphasized the importance of proactive management. He highlighted that worrying or complaining about injuries is counterproductive and reiterated his commitment to doing everything possible to maintain his health and performance throughout the season.
