After overcoming a high ankle sprain earlier in the 2024 season, Justin Herbert is once again dealing with an ankle injury. While not as compromising as the initial injury, the LA Chargers quarterback noticeably was not the same in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This is a concern with the Chargers' quick turnaround in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos. A three-day turnaround is the last thing the Chargers want when they are fighting for a playoff spot and have a banged-up starting quarterback.
While Herbert may not be playing at 100%, there does not appear to be any instance in which he won't suit up for the Bolts on Thursday. Herbert told reporters he expects to play Thursday night but is is still unclear how compromised he will be compared to Sunday.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh provides a health update
Jim Harbaugh briefly had to leave the sidelines last time the Chargers played the Broncos in Denver. Harbaugh had an atrial flutter during the game and would undergo additional testing in the days following.
The Chargers' head coach had to wear a heart monitor for two weeks and did not rule out having an ablation procedure during the offseason. On Wednesday, Harbaugh provided his first health update in quite some time.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh provides update on heart condition: "So far so good. Been taking medication, it's been keeping the heart rate in a good spot."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 17, 2024
On undergoing an ablation procedure in the offseason: "It's possible." pic.twitter.com/4kzufAONu9
An ablation procedure would destroy the tissue in his heart causing the issues. Harbaugh previously suffered an atrial flutter when he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
Zion Johnson's status remains uncertain
Right guard Zion Johnson was rolled up on during Sunday's loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was forced to leave the game with an ankle injury. This does not bode well for his chances of playing in a short week, especially when he was a DNP on Monday and Tuesday.
Harbaugh was asked about Johnson's injury and his status moving forward and did not provide much clarity. The Chargers' head coach simply said he doesn't "exactly know" about the full extent of Johnson's ankle injury.
Chargers fans have learned how to decipher Harbaugh's injury comments and this does not bode well for Johnson playing in Week 16. If he cannot go, Jamaree Salyer will likely start in his place.
Chargers open Hayden Hurst's return window
The Chargers opened Hayden Hurst's 21-day window to return from IR on Monday. It is still unlikely Hurst plays on Thursday against the Broncos but his return is a welcome one with Will Dissly dealing with a shoulder injury.
While he entered the season as the No. 2 tight end, Hurst struggled to produce much of anything prior to getting injured. The former Ravens tight end has just seven catches for 65 yards this season.
It is unclear if Hurst would even log more playing time than Stone Smartt, who has emerged as a pass-catching weapon for Herbert. At the very least, he provides more depth.