The biggest storyline heading into the clash of two 2-0 teams in Week 3 has been Justin Herbert's injury status. The LA Chargers' star quarterback was rolled up on in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers and is dealing with a high ankle sprain heading into Week 3. While he did not practice over the week, there is optimism that Herbert may suit up against the Steelers on Sunday.
Even if Herbert plays he is not going to 100% and it is going to impact how the Chargers operate in Week 3. A team is already fairly run-heavy early in the year is going to lean into that more, which could be problematic against a Steelers defense that has been so good early on.
This dichotomy (mixed with home-field advantage) has made the Steelers favorites over the Chargers heading into Week 3. However, an unexpected injury development late in the week may swing the game back in favor of the Bolts.
Steelers starting offensive tackle Troy Fautanu has officially been ruled out of Sunday's contest. Fautanu injured his knee during Friday's practice, and unfortunately for Steelers fans, it appears to be more serious than a one-week injury.
Troy Fautanu injury is bad news for Steelers ahead of Chargers matchup
There has been a lot of talk about the Steelers defense and how it could feast on a star quarterback who may be limited with his mobility. For some reason, there has been less talk about the Chargers' defense, which ranks first in the NFL in points allowed thus far this season.
Granted, the Chargers have not faced the best quarterbacks thus far this season but it is not like Justin Fields is much better than those who the team has already faced. Fields was not even going to start in Pittsburgh until Russell Wilson suffered a calf injury.
The Chargers have one of the best defensive fronts in the league both at rushing the passer and attacking the run. The edge-rusher room is four-deep with guys who would all start on most NFL teams and the interior defensive line has been just as nasty to start the year.
Fields and the Pittsburgh offense was already going to have trouble with this Chargers' defensive front and without Fautanu those issues are going to grow exponentially. Now the Steelers have to block either Joey Bosa or Khalil Mack with a backup offensive lineman, which is not a situation any team wants to be in.
The Chargers are going to have to win this game by playing smash-mouth defense and protecting the ball on offense. With Fautanu out of action, the Bolts now have the defensive advantage, which very well could be the deciding factor in this game.