Consternation about the health of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has grown in each subsequent day since his ankle was ‘rolled up on’ during the team’s win against the Carolina Panthers.
On Wednesday, Herbert missed practice and appeared on the team’s injury report. On Thursday he was listed as a limited participant, but the extent of ‘limited’ was exaggerated. Reports called Herbert’s participation ‘extremely limited’. By Friday, he was back to a ‘did not participate’ designation at Chargers practice.
Justin Herbert’s Ability To Protect Himself Will Determine Game Status
After practice, Herbert was asked how he felt and what pain level he would be willing to play with. He described his pain level as ‘not great’ but downplayed its effect, saying ‘it is what it is.’
Herbert has earned a reputation as a quarterback willing to play through pain. In 2022, he missed only one play despite a fractured rib. But even he acknowledges the dangers of attempting to play if his mobility is affected.
“If I step foot on the field, I want to feel comfortable and know that I’m in a safe place,” Herbert said. “Understanding that there are inherent risks while playing football, but being able to defend yourself, move around and not take unnecessary hits. I think as long as I’m able to do that, then I think the game plan is open.”
The severity and recovery of Herbert’s injury, a high ankle sprain, can be tough to assess. The NFL’s mean return time from this injury is 15 days with an amorphous mean return range of five to 27 days. 27 percent of players with Herbert’s injury missed three weeks and 16 percent missed five or more weeks.
Alexander Peterson, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle injuries with Keck Medicine of USC, told the LA Times, “After doctors determine the stability of the ankle, pain management becomes the main focus.
The Chargers currently have Taylor Heinicke and Easton Stick rostered at quarterback.
