NFL Rumors: Chargers' Justin Herbert 'Pushing to Play' vs. Steelers amid Ankle Injury

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert told reporters Friday that he is dealing with a high-ankle sprain suffered during the team's Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Herbert said that while the pain related to the injury is "not great," his status for the team's Week 3 road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday is to be determined.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t Geoffrey C. Arnold of The Oregonian) reported that Herbert was "extremely limited" during Thursday's practice.

Rapoport added during an appearance on NFL Network's The Insiders that "it does seem like Justin Herbert is pushing to play and wants to play and is trying to play like crazy."

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday that Herbert was dealing with an ankle injury, and that he expected the quarterback "to get better every day."

"I was in a meeting with him," Harbaugh said. "Said he was feeling much better and good today."

Herbert underwent X-rays on his right leg on Monday which came back negative, Harbaugh told reporters.

The Chargers quarterback was injured during Week 2's 26-3 win over the Panthers after taking a hit in the third quarter. He did not miss any playing time, but he was seen walking with a "significant limp" after the game, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.

Herbert finished Week 2's game having gone 14-of-20 for 130 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a fumble lost on the play during which he was injured.

He had previously led the Chargers to a 22-10 season-opening win over the Las Vegas Raiders at home with 17-of-26 passing for a touchdown and no picks.

If Herbert is unable to play, the Chargers will turn to Easton Stick, with Taylor Heinicke serving as backup.

Herbert started 34 straight regular-season games while amassing 9,753 passing yards through 2021 and 2022, but his 2023 campaign was cut short by a season-ending fracture on the index finger of his throwing hand.

The Chargers will hope they can avoid Herbert missing time this season, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Stick's viability as a starter following his 45.5 percent pass accuracy rate in three preseason appearances.