“He was limited in practice yesterday [Thursday]…” This was the Justin Herbert update that NFL Insider Ian Rapoport gave, after which the QB’s chances of featuring against the Steelers became slim. So, the immediate focus shifted towards Herbert’s replacements. And there’s one man who’s got HC Jim Harbaugh saying ‘Never have I ever’.

Talking about Taylor Heinicke, Harbaugh said, “I haven’t seen anyone get up to speed as quickly as Taylor (Heinicke) has.” But it’s not for sure if it’d be Taylor or Easton Stick if not Herbert. Chargers’ HC made it clear: “I’m not gonna reveal what any of the contingencies are.” So, its anyone’s guess right now. Stick may not have shined in the preseason, with his 45.5% completion rate and more interceptions than touchdowns. But hey, crazier things have happened, right?

Now, don’t get your hopes up about seeing Heinicke just yet. He’s sitting at QB3, and the numbers don’t scream “game-changer.” Heinicke’s career average of 6.26 yards per pass attempt is solid, but he’s more of an emergency option than a real threat for Sunday.

On the flip side, Justin Herbert’s dealing with a high-ankle sprain suffered in last Sunday’s win over the Panthers, and he admitted the pain is “not great.” So, what does that mean for Sunday? Herbert’s ankle was heavily taped at Friday’s practice, and while it’s only Friday, we’ll have to wait and see if he’s good to go.

But one thing that Harbaugh and Co. must pray on is that the Chargers hang on to that start Herbert has provided them. Especially, if he won’t be able to play.

Will Justin Herbert’s absence derail the Chargers’ perfect start?

Justin Herbert’s injury has everyone holding their breath. Even though he played through it last week, throwing for 130 yards and two touchdowns, he’s still questionable for Sunday’s clash with the Steelers knocking on the door. And that could very well smell trouble for LA.

Why? So far this season Herbert has thrown for 274 yards, with 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 67.4% completion rate. And while this is not the best among the league’s signal-callers, it has been just about perfect for the Chargers and the 2-0 start is proof of that. But so are the Steelers, and their defense has been a brick wall. Would you trust a hobbled Herbert against that?

But, hold on! Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Herbert’s “doing everything he can” to be ready, only for the QB to admit that the pain’s not good. That doesn’t exactly scream confidence, does it? With his ankle heavily taped, it’s still up in the air whether he’ll be good to go. But you’ve gotta wonder—how effective can he really be with that ankle?

If Herbert can’t play, it could be a tough day for the Chargers. But that’s football for you. And if they want to charge to the playoffs this season, Sunday will be a good test of their depth chart. What do you think: will the Chargers cope without Herbert or will they crumble?