The LA Chargers are riding a wave of momentum following their 26-3 drubbing of the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. But while spirits are high following the team's first 2-0 start in over a decade, there was some concern regarding quarterback Justin Herbert coming out of the game.
Herbert appeared to injure his ankle in the third quarter of Sunday's blowout win when he was rolled up from behind by Panthers linebacker D.J. Johnson. The five-year pro didn't miss a snap but was checked out by trainers on the sideline and was seen limping after the play.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh didn't seem overly concerned about Herbert's injury when speaking to reporters after the game and X-rays have since come back negative, suggesting the injury is not considered serious.
Harbaugh declined to comment on Herbert's status for Wednesday's practice, but multiple reports indicate he was on the field for the Chargers' first practice of the week. While that may be concerning to fans, there's no reason to panic at this time.
Justin Herbert injury update is concerning but not alarming
The fact that Herbert was able to play through his injury on Sunday is a strong indication that he should be on the field when the Chargers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.
The Chargers are likely playing it safe with their franchise quarterback, holding him out of practice earlier in the week as he continues to nurse his ankle injury. Right now, there is no reason to be alarmed.
That said, if Herbert were to miss practice again on Thursday and Friday, that could place his status for Sunday's game in doubt. Harbaugh confirmed on Wednesday that the much-maligned Easton Stick would start in place of Herbert if he were to miss time.
Harbaugh seems pretty confident in Herbert's chances of playing in Week 3, however. He doesn't want to talk hypotheticals when it comes to the quarterback position.
"Right now it's Easton [Stick]. But we are going to be way over the legal limit of 'what ifs' if this or if that.""Jim Harbaugh
Herbert finished 14-of-20 for 130 yards with two touchdowns, an interception, and a lost fumble in his team's 26-3 win on Sunday. With the Chargers dominating on the ground, their star quarterback was able to take a backseat to J.K. Dobbins and the running game.
The game plan might be different, however, against a Steelers team that is currently allowing an average of just 3.7 yards per carry through two weeks. Needless to say, the Chargers need Herbert to be healthy and active on Sunday.
Chargers fans fearing the possibility of another Easton Stick start have nothing to worry about yet. Still, Herbert's status is worth closely monitoring as the week progresses.