Chargers QB Justin Herbert leaves loss vs. Steelers early with ankle injury

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert left the Chargers’ 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers early on Sunday after he appeared to reaggravate the high-ankle sprain that had sidelined him in practice in the days leading up to the game. 

Herbert did not play the entire fourth quarter as the Chargers (2-1) lost for the first time, while Pittsburgh (3-0) remained undefeated with quarterback Justin Fields. 

Herbert completed 12 of his 18 passes for 125 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown to Quentin Johnson to open the game’s scoring. That proved to be the offense’s high point, however; Los Angeles managed a field goal late in the first half and never scored again. The ground game wasn’t a boost, either, with the Chargers managing only 61 yards on 20 carries. 

Herbert limped off the field midway through the third quarter after having taken one of his two sacks. He appeared to have reinjured the right ankle he injured in a Week 2 win against the Carolina Panthers, when, he said, he had been rolled up on.

Herbert left the stadium in a walking boot.

After the loss, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that going into Sunday, the team had planned to remove Herbert if he showed any sign of a limp.