Justin Herbert suffered a high ankle sprain in the LA Chargers' Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. After not practicing in a full capacity all week, Herbert suited up and started for the Bolts in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite the injury, Herbert was throwing at a higher rate than he was all season prior and did not look like he was favoring the ankle. The Chargers were doing everything possible to protect Herbert but to the blind eye, he appeared to be okay.
Unfortunately, that changed in the third quarter. Herbert was sacked on first down in the third quarter and Pittsburgh's Cam Heyward landed on his ankle. The star quarterback stayed in for one more play and was visibly hurt when he handed the ball off to J.K. Dobbins.
Herbert was promptly removed from the game with Taylor Heinicke coming in to hand-off to Dobbins on third and long. The Chargers punted.
Updates on Justin Herbert's injury
Update: Justin Herbert was seen in a walking boot after the Chargers' loss to the Steelers in Week 3.
Herbert spoke to reporters after the game and said that the decision to remove him was made after he could not plant or move on the injured ankle. The former Oregon Duck said he is still hopeful that he can play in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Update: Justin Herbert did not return to the game for the ensuing Chargers drive. Heinicke was inserted into the game at quarterback while Herbert was seen heavily limping on the sideline.
Rashawn Slater is also out of the game with a pec injury.
Update: Justin Herbert was removed from the medical tent and was seen sitting on the bench without his helmet on. Herbert remains on the sideline heading into the fourth quarter with the Steelers still having possession.
CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said Herbert was testing out his heavily wrapped ankle on the sideline and she would not be surprised if he was out the rest of the game with the Kansas City Chiefs on the horizon in Week 4.
Update: Herbert went into the medical tent after being removed from the game. Trainers were seen working on his injured ankle before going into the tent.