Justin Herbert took to the podium on Tuesday for his usual Chargers’ midweek media availability. Of course, the first question he was asked was about the status of his left ankle. When asked if he expected to play on Thursday, Herbert essentially confirmed he would:
“I would expect so,” Herbert said. “I don’t think there was too many moments in the game last week where I experienced any setbacks. And so I think as long as we’re going in the right direction, that is definitely the plan”
On ankle treatment, Herbert said that it was about “maximizing his time” given the teams’ short week. Asked by The Athletic’s Daniel Popper if the protection he’s wearing in his left ankle was similar to his right ankle brace earlier in the season, Herbert said he’s “experimenting” with a new brace that goes on the outside of his shoe:
Chargers QB Justin Herbert is "experimenting" with a different brace on his left ankle than he did with his right ankle injury earlier this season. He says this brace goes on the outside of his shoe and is what he expects to wear on TNF vs. Denver. pic.twitter.com/y3XQJFLtGm
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 18, 2024
Justin Herbert opts for new ankle brace for Chargers-Broncos
On why he opted for a new brace, Herbert saidthe Chargers’ staff talked about “more stability” for the ankle during games while wearing it.
“I would say it’s pretty similar to the first time,” Herbert said. “It’s never fun to deal with an ankle like that, but I think the training staff has done a great job of making sure that I am prepared to go out there. Especially feeling safe and comfortable taking those drops, making sure that I am able to move. I think having a good plan throughout the week, understanding and talking about it, I think that’s put me at ease.”
Herbert was also asked about the thigh contusion he suffered against Kansas City. For what it’s worth, the Chargers QB only has an ankle designation heading into Thursday Night Football this week.
Last week, his designation was listed as thigh/ankle given the shot to the knee he took against the Chiefs before halftime. But on that end, Herbert said the thigh is “getting better” and that he doesn’t see it as an issue at this point.
Asked to put a percentage on how his left ankle is feeling, Herbert refused to put a number on it, but said it was “better than last week”.
One would hope Herbert doesn’t find himself on the ground as much this week given the recent injuries. The Chargers’ franchise QB has taken seven sacks and was pressured 37 times combined in the teams’ last two games.
Herbert and the pass protection will need to be mindful of Denver’s tough rotational pass rush up front as the Chargers take on the Broncos on TNF.