The LA Chargers comfortably defeated the Carolina Panthers on Sunday to move to 2-0 for the first time since 2012. The Jim Harbaugh era is starting exactly how fans envisioned as the Bolts have had an obvious coaching advantage in each of the first two games of the season.
Sunday's win was not without its drama, however. Late in the third quarter, Justin Herbert was crumpled by the Panthers' defensive line when attempting to step up in the pocket to throw a pass. Herbert lost the football with a fumble, but more importantly, was slow to get up and gingerly walked to the sideline.
The Chargers' training staff worked on Herbert's ankle area on the sideline and the star quarterback even went into the blue medical tent. However, Herbert was ready to go back into the game by the time the next drive started and did not miss a single snap.
Herbert alleviated concerns by coming back into the game but that does not mean the Chargers are out of the woods yet. The former Oregon Duck explained the injury came from being rolled up on and that he received X-rays with more information to come in the coming days.
Justin Herbert said he got "rolled up" in the game, had an X-Ray done, and will know more in the coming days. He was limping postgame
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 15, 2024
Justin Herbert injury update does not completely alleviate all concerns for Chargers
It does not seem like Herbert is overly worried about his ankle and he was clearly fine enough to finish the game for the Chargers. It merely could have been an annoying rolled ankle that we have all felt before when playing sports.
However, it is at least a conversation topic moving forward and is definitely something Chargers fans must keep in mind. The fact Herbert was limping after the adrenaline wore off says something as his mobility could be somewhat limited next week.
It would be a drastic turn if Herbert had to miss any time with this minor injury so fans do not have to worry about Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke starting next week for the Bolts. However, after Herbert already dealt with a right foot injury in training camp, any injury to his lower right leg warrants some concern.
Herbert's update after the game did not completely alleviate all concerns but it did at least rule out the worst-case scenario. The Chargers won't have to survive without Herbert, but the team might not get the most mobile version of him in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fans will likely get more information about Herbert's ankle on Tuesday as the team stays in Carolina to prepare for next week's game in Pittsburgh. Stay tuned.