The Los Angeles Chargers’ second consecutive win was marred by an apparent leg injury to Justin Herbert.
Herbert said after the game that his leg was “rolled up” during the Chargers’ 26-3 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Herbert said he will learn more about the nature and severity of the injury in the coming days.
The injury occurred in the third quarter when Herbert attempted to escape the pocket but was pulled from behind by Carolina linebacker DJ Johnson and simultaneously punched by defensive end Jayden Pevy. The tackles pinned Herbert’s lower body and bent it awkwardly. Herbert remained on the field for a few moments. Eventually, he stood up, walked slowly to the sideline and then entered the blue medical tent.
Herbert returned and played no snaps in the game, but told reporters after the game that he had an MRI of his leg. He was reportedly seen with a noticeable limp after the game. Herbert completed 14 of 20 passes for 130 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against the Panthers.
Herbert missed nearly two weeks of practice during training camp because he sustained a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, according to the team. He wore a walking boot for two weeks before returning to practice on Aug. 19. Herbert said his foot was 100% healthy at the start of the first week and he showed no signs of the foot causing him any problems.
If Herbert is unable to play in Los Angeles’ Week 3 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, backup quarterback Easton Stick is expected to start.
