The good news is that former Oregon Ducksstar and current Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is no longer in a walking boot and was a limited practice participant. His ankle is progressing but still doesn’t know if he’ll play this Sunday yet against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Herbert told reporters that there have been conversations between him and head coach Jim Harbaugh about resting his ankle ahead of the Week 5 bye, but he “doesn’t think that’s the way we’re heading.” The injury is now being approached day by day by the top-notch Los Angeles medical staff.
In the offseason, Herbert was dealing with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. He missed multiple weeks of Los Angeles’ training camp but was eventually cleared to play in week one against the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert then suffered a high ankle sprain in week two at the Carolina Panthers. Despite the injury, he was planning on playing through the pain in the next game regardless which isn’t the best plan of action to have with your franchise quarterback.
Herbert then reaggravated that same ankle at the Pittsburgh Steelers this past Sunday. He exited the game in the third quarter and was replaced by Chargers’ backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke for the rest of the 20-10 loss. Herbert took X-rays after the conclusion of the game and the results fortunately came back negative.
In today’s practice, Herbert said he felt “less pain” and was able to do some light 7-on-7 work. That’s a positive sign going forward through this week as he hasn’t had any major setbacks so far.
Herbert’s ankle has held him back to his full potential this season. He’s not sure right now if he thinks he will play this weekend against Kansas City.
