Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert got the start on Sunday despite a right ankle injury, but he wasn’t able to go the distance.
Herbert left the game after taking a sack in the third quarter and did not return after having the same ankle evaluated in the sideline medical tent. Herbert was called questionable to return, but head coach Jim Harbaugh said in his postgame press conference that there was no chance of that happening.
“As soon as I saw him get up, the first sign of any limp, he was coming out,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh said that Herbert looked good on Saturday while explaining the decision to play him and that he did not have any update on Hebert’s condition. Taylor Heinicke replaced Herbert and took three sacks during his brief appearance in the 20-10 loss to the Steelers.
The Chargers face the Chiefs next week and they’ll also be monitoring injuries that knocked left tackle Rashawn Slater, right tackle Joe Alt and edge rusher Joey Bosa out of the game.