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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he decided to pull quarterback Justin Herbert from Sunday's (September 22) 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after he was walking with a limp.
Herbert entered the game with a right ankle injury and was reported to be questionable to return after taking a sack and being evaluated for the same injury in the sideline medical tent during the third quarter, though Harbaugh said he had already decided on his status.
“As soon as I saw him get up, the first sign of any limp, he was coming out,” Harbaugh said via Pro Football Talk.
Harbaugh said Herbert looked good on Saturday (September 21) when asked about his decision to play the quarterback despite the injury. The former first-round pick finished Sunday's game with 125 yards and one touchdown on 12 of 18 passing.
Backup Taylor Heinicke took over in Herbert's absence and threw for 24 yards on 2 of 2 passing. The Chargers also lost left tackle Rashawn Slater, first-round right tackle Joe Alt and Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa during Sunday's loss, their first loss of the season.
Los Angeles will host the defending Super Bowl champion and AFC West Division rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.