Justin Herbert's ankle injury progresses ahead of Chargers-Chiefs game

The Los Angeles Chargers received encouraging news this week regarding quarterback Justin Herbert's ankle injury. Following an MRI on Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed that the injury is making progress. Despite being officially limited in Wednesday's practice, Herbert's status for the Chargers' Week 4 divisional game against the Kansas City Chiefs remains uncertain.

The 26-year-old signal caller embraced gamesmanship last week, raising concerns ahead of the matchup after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. His condition appeared to worsen during the third quarter of the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he took a sack that aggravated the injury. He was seen limping and required medical attention, yet he did not return to the field, leaving backup Taylor Heinicke to pick up the slack.

Harbaugh's Decision

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, quick to prioritize player safety, mentioned, "As soon as I saw Justin got up -- first sign of any limp, he was coming out of the game. I took him out." Post-game, Herbert was spotted in a walking boot, prompting Harbaugh to emphasize his belief in managing the injury cautiously. He didn't regret putting Herbert in the game, asserting that they followed the proper protocol of doctors clearing him and relied on Jonathan's own judgment.

Treatment and Evaluation

With the focus now on treatment and evaluation, Justin Herbert's progress is a positive development for the Chargers as they look ahead to their crucial divisional game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The team's medical staff will continue to monitor his condition closely as they aim to navigate the challenges of keeping their star quarterback healthy while ensuring a competitive edge in the upcoming match.