If you were to write a book about the NFL, the Los Angeles Chargers would likely have a chapter filled with themes of misfortune, bad luck, and critical injuries. Reflecting this pattern, their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, due to his current injury status.
Justin Herbert Questionable For Week 4 – Who Will Step Up?
Justin Herbert initially sustained this injury in Week 2 against the struggling Carolina Panthers. While extending a play, he landed awkwardly, resulting in what was later identified as a high ankle sprain. This type of injury can persist for months, with the typical recovery time for most people being around eight weeks. Fortunately for the Chargers, Herbert is no ordinary person—he’s a top-tier athlete with physical abilities that even coach Jim Harbaugh would envy.
“There’s not one gene in his body I wouldn’t like immediately trade.” – Jim Harbaugh on Justin Herbert.
Harbaugh said he wants to be best friends with Herbert and is now wearing the same tennis shoes Harbaugh wears. pic.twitter.com/zLDjLicp6x
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 13, 2024
Despite the pain, Herbert suited up for the following game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Likely with medication and support, his ankle seemed fine during the first half of Week 3. However, after a slower start to the second half—likely due to fading adrenaline—Herbert took another awkward hit and was officially sidelined for the rest of the game. He was later seen wearing a walking boot, confirming a re-aggravation of the injury.
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
Heading into Week 4, facing a strong NFL team, the former Offensive Rookie of the Year now has a tough decision to make: whether to play through the pain again. He has been listed as “limited” in practice throughout the week but has expressed that he feels better than last week. How that’s possible remains a mystery—he really does seem to be built differently.
full #KCvsLAC game status pic.twitter.com/l6CeiX1UWN
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 27, 2024
Who Would Step Up if Herbert Can’t Go?
The Fan-Preferred Starter: A Former Playoff Starting Veteran
If Justin Herbert is unable to play on Sunday, Taylor Heinicke is expected to take over as the starting quarterback. Heinicke stepped in once Herbert was officially ruled out.
The Chargers acquired him on August 28th in exchange for a conditional sixth- or seventh-round pick. Heinicke, who has previously started for both the Falcons and the Washington Commanders, is known for his playmaking ability, using his mobility to extend plays in the pocket. While this can sometimes lead to bad sacks, it also allows him to make impressive throws on the move—a style that gives a backup quarterback a chance to win games.
Heinicke has plenty of starting experience, including four games last season with Atlanta. Although his 5-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio isn’t outstanding, he brings valuable experience and leadership to the table.
The Chargers could be in a worse position when it comes to a backup starter. Heinicke played a few drives last week against the Steelers after Herbert’s injury, and the coaching staff got a look at both the positives and negatives of his game. If Heinicke does start, expect a game plan tailored to his strengths.
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