The LA Chargers and Jim Harbaugh have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL through two weeks. Ironically, their Week 3 opponent, the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers, belong in that same category. On paper, this is a matchup of two of the league's hottest defenses, but it could be decided by whether Justin Herbert is able to suit up.
Herbert is dealing with an ankle injury leading up to Sunday's game after his leg got caught underneath him on a tackle against the Panthers. He got his ankle tapped and did not miss a single snap even though the Chargers had the game wrapped up.
In an all-too familiar sight for Chargers fans, Herbert did not practice Wednesday, the first official practice of the week. It's not ideal, but it stands to reason that Harbaugh and Co. are playing it safe with their franchise quarterback, who is likely still nursing some soreness.
It would be shocking if Herbert doesn't suit up this weekend, but the Bolts have to be prepared for any and all scenarios. If the worse-case scenario presents itself, Harbaugh revealed that Easton Stick (!) would start in place of Herbert over Taylor Heinicke.
#Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh on who will be the starting QB if Justin Hebert (ankle) can’t play in Week 3 vs. Steelers: “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”
— Christian Gonzales (@ChrisG_Sports) September 18, 2024
Chargers' Easton Stick backing up Justin Herbert over Taylor Heinicke would be a huge mistake
Yes, Stick has been the backup to start the season while Heinicke, whom the Chargers acquired in late August, has been the emergency third-stringer.
However, Stick was borderline unwatchable in preseason. He completed 45.5% of his passes, averaged 5.5 yards per attempt and threw one touchdown to three interceptions. He also had five turnover-worthy plays and posted a lowly 36.3 PFF passing grade.
It is a miracle that Stick even made the 53-man roster, but Heinicke had just arrived via trade. The only other quarterbacks that took a snap in preseason for the Bolts were former seventh-round pick Max Duggan, who was released on Aug. 19, and Luis Perez, who only signed after it was announced that Herbert would spend at least two weeks in a walking boot.
Heinicke might still be learning the offense, but surely Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman can devise a scheme that caters to his skillset, no? Stick might have a better grasp of the playbook than Heinicke, but the preseason should have marked his last snaps in a Bolts uniform.
Meanwhile, we have seen Heinicke push Tom Brady and the defending-champion Buccaneers to the brink of elimination in the playoffs as a backup quarterback. Stick couldn't even win one game in four tries last season when he started in Herbert's stead.
Fortunately there hasn't been any indication that Herbert's in danger of missing Sunday's game. However, with Stick poised to start if Herbert can't go, Chargers fans will feel a lot better if QB1 is able to practice even in a limited capacity on Thursday or Friday.