Chargers QB Justin Herbert listed as questionable to face Steelers on Sunday

In Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced a quarterback playing in a live game for the first time in more than 10 months.

In Week 2, the opponent started a rookie making his second career start.

Could the Steelers be catching another break for their home opener Sunday?

Star quarterback Justin Herbert was listed as questionable to play against the Steelers on the injury status report released by the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday. He was given a “did not practice” designation by the team.

According to reporters who cover the Chargers who were at their Friday practice in Charlotte, N.C., Herbert remained working off to the side during the session. Herbert said after practice he was told he has a high ankle sprain. Photographs taken by a reporter from The Athletic at practice showed Herbert’s right ankle heavily taped.

Herbert continued working off to the side as team periods began. https://t.co/1og5qRpcvH

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 20, 2024

Herbert did not practice Wednesday but was a partial participant Thursday.

Easton Stick is the only other quarterback on the Chargers’ active roster, though veteran Taylor Heinicke is on the practice squad. Stick went 0-4 in place of an injured Herbert late last season.

The Chargers, like the Steelers, are 2-0 based largely on defense and a running-based offense.

The Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons, 18-10, in Week 1 with Kirk Cousins — 36 years old and coming off an season-ending Achilles injury — throwing two interceptions. Last week, the Steelers won 13-6 against the Broncos and struggling rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

The Chargers spent the week in Charlotte practicing after they beat the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Coach Jim Harbaugh said they did that so the team could remain accustomed to the Eastern time zone.