EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Coach Jim Harbaugh provided an update on the Los Angeles Chargers’ key injuries following a 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. X-rays on quarterback Justin Herbert’s aggravated right high ankle sprain came back negative. The Chargers returned to their facility after a nine-day road trip, where Herbert suffered the injury in the third quarter against the Steelers and was seen in a walking boot.
The injury list did not stop with Herbert. Left tackle Rashawn Slater injured his left pectoral in the second quarter but attempted to return for the second half after being fitted with a brace. However, he ultimately left the game for good following a strip sack early in the third quarter. Meanwhile, rookie right tackle Joe Alt injured his right leg on the final offensive snap of the game and was visibly limping in the locker room post-game. Reports indicated Alt is dealing with a sprained MCL in his right knee.
Edge rusher Joey Bosa also suffered an injury, aggravating a hip injury on the first defensive play of the game but only returning for one third down later in the first quarter. Bosa, who had previously dealt with a broken hand and back injury, did not return to the field after the hip injury. Harbaugh faces the challenge of preparing the team to face the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs with several key players nursing injuries.
Harbaugh stated that evaluation and treatment would take place Monday for all injured players, with more specific updates expected by Wednesday. With both starting tackles dealing with injuries, the team may need to make adjustments on the offensive line. Protection became an issue after Slater left the game, leading to quarterback Taylor Heinicke taking three sacks on two drives.
Despite the injuries, Harbaugh expressed no regrets about playing Herbert, praising his performance during the game. The team is taking Herbert’s recovery one day at a time as they prepare for the upcoming matchups. The Chargers have key decisions to make to ensure they can field a competitive team in the following games.