Justin Herbert injury update: NFL insider offers latest on Chargers QB ahead of Steelers game

Justin Herbert is officially listed as questionable, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. There’s “optimism” that the Chargers quarterback will play against the Steelers.

“There is still a question today regarding the status of chargers starting quarterback Justin Herbert, official listed as questionable, dealing with a painful high ankle sprain that saw him miss considerable practice time this week,” Rapoport said.

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“Didn’t even practice on Friday, which is a rarity. My understanding is that Herbert, who is now on the field, set to undergo his pregame workout, there is optimism regarding his status. Say there’s been no firm decision, no word that he is definitively active or inactive, just optimism that he should be able to play through the pain and go.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter later confirmed Herbert would be active and start for the Chargers.

“Justin Herbert officially is expected to start today for the Los Angeles Chargers, who will have three quarterbacks active, as we mentioned,” Schefter said on Sunday NFL Countdown. “So Herbert will be active, along with Easton Stick and Taylor Heineke. But Herbert went out there and felt good enough to be able to give this a chance.

“Now, again, the Chargers had any number of quarterback plans. We’ll see if he’s able to stay in there the full game, run the entire offense. He is extraordinarily tough and has played through any number of injuries in the past but Justin Herbert is expected to start, and that will happen today in Pittsburgh.”

Herbert has helped the Chargers get off to a 2-0 start this season with wins over the Raiders and Panthers.

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Los Angeles has a big game this weekend against the Steelers, who are also 2-0, but it remains to be seen if Herbert will be able to suit up.

The former Oregon star has thrown for three touchdowns and one interception so far this season. He has also rushed for 24 yards.

Herbert is in his fifth season in the NFL after being drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has had an excellent start to his career, including being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2021.

Herbert is off to a strong start to the 2024 season but now must get healthy in order to keep playing well.

Justin Herbert isn’t the only quarterback in this game who is banged up heading into Sunday. Steelers QB Russell Wilson continues to deal with an injury.

With that being the case, it appears as though Justin Fields will once again start this week. Fields has helped Pittsburgh to a 2-0 start.

“Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says Justin Fields will likely start on Sunday vs. the Chargers, as long as Russell Wilson is still unable to go,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team posted on X. “Justin Fields is 2-0 as the starter so far.”

While the competition hasn’t exactly been stout, and he’s received a lot of help from his defense, Fields has been solid enough through two weeks that he’s certainly earned an opportunity to keep the train rolling for the Steelers. The Chargers might be a different animal, but if Fields can deliver them their first loss, who knows if Tomlin would be willing to send him back to the bench.

Matt Connolly contributed to this report