Steelers' defense makes Justin Herbert regret playing with a high ankle sprain

Anytime a player attempts to play through an injury, they run the risk of making it worse. The LA Chargers learned this the hard way during the Pittsburgh Steelers' home opener in Week 3.

On September 20, ESPN's Kris Rhim confirmed that doctors had diagnosed Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert with a high ankle sprain. Herbert sustained the injury in the third quarter of Week 2 but was able to finish out the game.

This injury is often accompanied by a four-to-six-week timetable to return to the field. But the Chargers knew they couldn't afford to wait that long. Instead, they chose to deploy Herbert in Week 3 against the Steelers, as LA had a chance to advance to 3-0 on the season.

This proved to be a mistake.

Halfway through the third quarter, Herbert was sacked by Elandon Roberts and Cam Heyward. Unfortunately, Heyward landed on Herbert's right ankle and he writhed in pain. A hobbled Herbert eventually made his way to the sidelines before falling to the ground to relieve his injured ankle of taking another step.

Steelers make Justin Herbert regret suiting up

Nobody likes to see injuries, even if it's the opposing team's star quarterback that goes down. However, the Chargers don't have anyone to blame but themselves.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh knew the risk of playing his franchise quarterback fresh off a high ankle sprain diagnosis. These soft tissue injuries take time to heal, and sitting him would have been the right choice.

Heyward's hit on Herbert was nothing egregious. In a defense-dominated game with traffic constantly around the quarterback, it was only a matter of time before Herbert had his right ankle hit.

It's never fun to lose a starting quarterback, and this injury will be a major setback for the Chargers' promising 2024 season. Let's hope Herbert can get healthy soon.