Pittsburgh — A day of sorrow for the Los Angeles Chargers, as quarterback Justin Herbert took himself out of the contest midway through the third quarter after re-aggravating his right ankle.
The fifth-year quarterback entered the game with an achy right ankle and was questionable to play earlier in the week. However, Herbert, who led the Chargers to a 2-0 start to the season, chose to take the field in Week 3 to attempt to knock off the then-undefeated Steelers.
Joe Mixon last week.
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 22, 2024
Justin Herbert this week.
I don’t understand why teams let these guys try to play through high ankle sprains. Risk of making it worse.
Looks like Herbert aggravated his left high ankle and limped off.
pic.twitter.com/E71IsvlolR
Herbert played through two and a half quarters, recording 12 completions for 125 yards and a touchdown to help tie the two teams at 10 points a piece. However, he was unable to finish the third quarter after walking off the field under his own will. Unfortunately, the Chargers failed to put any points on the board in the second half after leading 10-7 at halftime and conceded 10 points in the fourth quarter to lose the contest 20-10.
It is clear Herbert's impact on the entire Chargers' entire team, offense and defense since as soon as he was no longer on the field for Los Angeles, the Charger's entire team stalled. Fans of the Chargers must pray for a quick recovery, however, data shows that quarterbacks who suffer high ankle sprains are likley to miss an average of 2.8 games, which would put Herbert out of commission until Week 7, where Los Angeles takes on the Arizona Cardinals on October, 21.
Here’s Justin Herbert in the walking boot. He said he thinks the injury is a reaggravation of the high ankle sprain and nothing more serious. He’s hoping to play against KC pic.twitter.com/oMQMyQvmOu
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 22, 2024
He was seen leaving the media podium in a walking boot on his left ankle, and while he is “hopeful” to play against Kansas City on Sunday, September 29, it is clear that rushing Herbert back to playing before he is fully healthy may have yet another negative impact on the Hollywood-based team.
While they are no longer undefeated, their focus must be on the mental mistakes both offense and defense made as soon as Herbert stepped off the field. While it was clear the Steelers wanted to win that game, it didn't look like you could say the same about the Chargers. While losing your starting quarterback can be discouraging, one player does not make an entire team. The Chargers have much to discuss before returning home to face the Chiefs next Sunday.
