In a challenging matchup, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert exited the game early during the team’s 20-10 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. This departure came after Herbert appeared to aggravate a previous high-ankle sprain that had kept him out of practice in the days leading up to the contest.
Herbert did not participate in the entire fourth quarter as the Chargers (2-1) experienced their first loss of the season, while Pittsburgh (3-0) maintained its unbeaten record under quarterback Justin Fields.
Herbert’s performance included completing 12 of 18 passes for 125 yards, highlighted by a 27-yard touchdown connection with Quentin Johnson that marked the game’s opening score. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, that was the peak of their offensive efforts, as they only managed a field goal before the half and failed to score thereafter. The running game also struggled, yielding just 61 yards on 20 attempts.
Midway through the third quarter, Herbert limped off the field after being sacked twice. It appeared he had reinjured his right ankle, which had been hurt during a Week 2 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Following the game, Herbert was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh revealed that the team’s strategy was to remove Herbert from the game if he exhibited any signs of a limp.