The LA Chargers' 19-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14 was nearly much worse. After a hard hit in the second quarter, quarterback Justin Herbert left the game with Taylor Heinicke replacing him.
Thankfully, Herbert was back in the game on the Chargers' ensuing drive and didn't look to be compromised in any way while he was on the field. Once the adrenaline wore off, though, Herbert started to limp into the locker room with fans worried about his health.
Jim Harbaugh dispelled any long-term concerns after the game on Sunday by telling reporters Herbert just had a leg contusion (a fancy word for a bad bruise). However, on Wednesday, Harbaugh revealed that Herbert isn't just dealing with a thigh injury: he is dealing with an ankle injury as well.
Jim Harbaugh on if he expects Justin Herbert to practice today: “We’ll see.“
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 11, 2024
Said he might want to give Justin some rest today, but Justin may overrule him. Also said Justin has an ankle injury in addition to the leg contusion. pic.twitter.com/x9y74eQkKy
Additional Justin Herbert injury should not worry Chargers fans
Update: Justin Herbert spoke to reporters after Harbaugh and said he suffered an ankle sprain, although he is unsure if it is a high ankle sprain or a low ankle sprain. Herbert said the injury is less severe than the high ankle sprain he suffered earlier this season.
Fans may have forgotten after the injury scare to Herbert's leg but the star quarterback's left ankle was also impacted earlier in the game against the Chiefs.
Herbert got tied up in the first half and was seen walking gingerly to the sideline, where he would receive an ankle wrap from the training staff. Herbert was in good spirits, though, and it did not become much of a concern after that point.
The ankle injury could have been the explanation for Herbert's limping after the game. Thankfully, Herbert appeared to injure his left ankle, which is not the same ankle he suffered a high sprain on earlier in the year.
Harbaugh's response and explanation that Herbert may overrule him and practice today is also important context. The head coach did not have the same attitude earlier in the year when Herbert suffered the high ankle sprain. His levity in this situation can be taken as a sign that this is not a huge deal, even if Herbert misses practice.
Could Herbert be in some pain when he suits up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday? Sure. Will he be advised to not use his legs as much in this particular matchup? Most likely.
But this does not appear to be a situation where Herbert's mobility will be severely impacted, as was the case earlier in the season with the high ankle sprain. This is merely an example of the bumps and bruises that come with being an NFL quarterback.
Hopefully, it doesn't escalate into something bigger as the Chargers look to lock up a spot in the NFL Playoffs.