Chargers Look For Justin Herbert To Show His Mettle Against The Steelers

The tape seldom lies in the NFL and that's especially true with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

As Los Angeles put its final touches on its preparation for Sunday's game at the Pittsburgh Steelers, Herbert's availability remains unsettled as he's listed as questionable.

Herbert sported a heavily taped right ankle and worked sparingly on Friday, thanks to an injury he suffered in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers.

So will he go or will he sit after a week of scant work?

"It's something that has yet to be decided,'' Herbert told reporters after practice. "Thankfully, it's only Friday.''

Nothing would be finer for the Chargers than if Herbert is healthy and can lead them to their first 3-0 start since 2002.

In the previous 12 seasons when they won their first trio of games, they missed the playoffs six times. When they last did it, they finished 8-8 and out of the postseason. But the second time they pulled it off, in 1963, they went on to win the AFL title.

While the early stages of coach Jim Harbaugh's NFL return is perfect, Herbert's status is cloudy as L.A. faces its toughest opponent of this young season.

Some speculate Herbert is hardly needed as Harbaugh has transformed the offense into a run-first, pass-when-needed scheme.

But no team is better with their backup quarterback playing, Easton Stick in this case, so L.A.'s fingers remain crossed that Herbert is fit.

While Stick is next on the depth chart, Harbaugh was coy in committing to him on Friday. The Chargers acquired veteran Taylor Heinicke before the season, after Stick's mediocre preseason.

Herbert, who missed the final four games last season with a fractured finger, was mostly a spectator in this week's practices. Maybe in the next 48 hours the pain in his ankle will subside and he'll be mobile enough to avoid a stout pass rush which includes four-time All-Pro T.J. Watt.

"If I step foot on the field, I want to feel comfortable and know that I'm in a safe place, understanding there are inherent risks while playing football,'' said Herbert, whose completed 31 of 46 passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

"Being able to defend yourself, move around and not take unnecessary hits. I think as long as I'm able to do that, then I think the game plan is open.''

During training camp Herbert missed two weeks with plantar fascia in the same foot which now has a compromised ankle.

Earlier in the week Harbaugh was coy about Herbert's status.

"Crystal ball? Expect him to get better every day,'' Harbaugh said.

L.A. will learn if that translates into its $262 million man playing on Sunday.