Chargers QB Justin Herbert misses practice because of right ankle injury

Quarterback Justin Herbert’s right ankle injury was “feeling much better,” according to Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. But it was not sound enough to allow him to practice Wednesday with his teammates at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, their home away from home this week.

“Crystal ball? I expect him (to play),” Harbaugh told reporters in Charlotte when asked about Herbert’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. “He’s getting better every day. (Tuesday) night, we had a meeting with him and he said he was feeling much better and good today.”

X-rays taken earlier this week were negative.

So, who might start if Herbert is sidelined?

“Right now, it’s Easton,” Harbaugh said, referring to backup Easton Stick, who started the final four games of the 2023 season after Herbert suffered a season-ending fractured index finger during a loss last Dec. 10 to the Denver Broncos. “But we’re going to be way over the legal limit of ‘what ifs’ if this, if that.’”

Herbert was injured on a scramble out of the pocket during the third quarter of the Chargers’ 26-3 victory Sunday over the Carolina Panthers. He later described the injury as getting “rolled up on” as a tangle of bodies crashed into him from in front and from behind on the 3rd-and-4 play at the Carolina 19-yard line.

Herbert fumbled on the play and the Panthers recovered at their own 17.

By game’s end Sunday, Herbert completed 14 of 20 passes for 130 yards with touchdown passes of 29 and 5 yards to wide receiver Quentin Johnston plus one interception. He didn’t need to throw often because the Chargers’ rushed for 219 yards on 44 attempts, including J.K. Dobbins’ 43-yard touchdown run.

Overall, Herbert has completed 67.4% of his passes for a career-low 274 yards after two games, helping to lead the Chargers to victories over the Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders. He has three touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating of 95.7 is 14th-best in the NFL after two weeks.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Chargers will be facing the second-stingiest defense in the league Sunday in Pittsburgh. The Steelers (2-0) have given up only eight points per game, trailing only the Chargers, who have given up 6.5 points. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt, one of the Steelers’ defensive leaders, has 98.5 career sacks.

“Outstanding,” was how Harbaugh described the Steelers’ defense when asked by reporters in Charlotte. “One of the best front sevens in football, and elite in the coverage area, as well. Talent and depth. If you just look at their depth, it would be starting on a lot of teams.”

Harbaugh said Watt is “a relentless player. That’s the word that jumps out the most, but extremely talented. It’s a scheme the Steelers have been playing since 1982. They’re real masters in the 3-4 defense. It’s just been handed down from one generation to another. Watt is as good as they come.”

INJURY UPDATE

In addition to Herbert, linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring), edge rusher Bud Dupree (illness), wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) and cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula) did not join their teammates for practice Wednesday. Edge rushers Joey Bosa (hip) and Khalil Mack (rest) and safety Alohi Gilman (knee), tight end Hayden Hurst (ankle) were listed as limited participants.

Gilman sat out Sunday’s game against Carolina. Elijah Molden replaced him in the starting lineup and had an interception and was credited with six tackles.