Looks like Justin Herbert’s the hot topic ahead of the Chargers‘ Week 3 clash with the Steelers! But hey, it’s not the kind of drama LA fans were hoping for. The Pro Bowl QB’s back on the injury report—and this time, it’s his ankle. So, will Herbert be leading the charge this Sunday, or are the Chargers about to scramble for a Plan B?

According to Pro Football Talk, Herbert will hit the practice report this week with that ankle injury, leaving his status for Wednesday’s practice hanging in the air. “Justin Herbert will be listed on report with ankle injury, practice status TBD.” Though his X-rays came back clear, the injury was significant enough to list him on the report. 

The Oregon Ducks standout’s injury came during Sunday’s 26-3 win over Carolina—a game where he took a hit in the third quarter. While he was briefly checked out on the sideline, he didn’t miss a single snap (classic Herbert toughness!) The Chargers leaned on the run game with 219 rushing yards, but Herbert still delivered, going 14-of-20 for 130 yards, two TDs, a pick, and a fumble. Not his best, but it got the job done.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s keeping things optimistic, though. “Crystal ball? Expect him to get better every day,” Harbaugh asserted, adding that the 26-year-old’s feeling much better and could be good to go by Sunday. However, his practice status remains to be determined as of midweek (keep those fingers crossed, Chargers fans!)

As Los Angeles sets up camp on the East Coast (they’ll face the Steelers in Pittsburgh this weekend), all eyes are on Herbert’s recovery. His limp after Sunday’s game had many worried, but HC Harbaugh confirmed that X-rays were negative. Still, further evaluations will happen this week to ensure their franchise QB’s fit for action.

If Herbert’s ankle doesn’t bounce back, the Chargers will have to dig into their depth chart. So, who’s ready to step up if he’s out?

Easton Stick might step up if Justin Herbert’s out 

Easton Stick might finally get his shot if Herbert’s sidelined. For the first time since Jan. 5, 2019, when he led North Dakota State to a title win, Stick’s under center again. But now, it’s the NFL—big leagues, bigger stakes.

“Obviously, this isn’t how I envisioned it,” the QB shared last year when stick was benched after an injury. “When they selected me five years ago, this is what you want as a kid—an opportunity to go play.” Drafted in the 2019 fifth round, Easton Stick’s been the backup—first behind Philip Rivers, then Herbert. He was a winner in college with a standout 49-3 record. The 29-year-old knows the jump from FCS to the NFL’s huge. “I understand North Dakota State’s not the NFL, but I’m used to winning,” he asserted. “This is a production business, and I understand that.”  

Chargers fans are hopeful Stick can translate that college magic to the pros. Time will tell. 

That said, do check out our latest Think Tank exclusive. It’s packed with the freshest updates on college football, NIL, and the NFL season.