Justin Herbert returned to the practice field Thursday at UNC-Charlotte, but the Chargers said his participation was limited because of an injured right ankle. His status for the Chargers’ game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday remained to be determined.
Herbert was observed throwing passes, but he did not join his teammates for drills during the period open to reporters. The Chargers’ quarterback was injured on a third-down scramble in the third quarter of their 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. X-rays taken were negative.
The Chargers are off to their best start in more than a decade and have a chance to go 3-0 for the first time since 2002 with a victory over the Steelers, who also are 2-0. The Chargers have beaten the Panthers (0-2) and Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) with a strong ground game rather than a dominating passing game.
Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins leads the NFL with 266 yards rushing on only 27 carries after two games. He also has two touchdown runs, including a 43-run scoring run against Carolina.
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Herbert has completed 67.4% of his passes for 274 yards, a career low for his first two games of any season. He also has three touchdown passes with one interception. He did not miss a snap in Sunday’s game after he was hit hard from the front and the back, although he walked with a limp after the game.
Herbert was one of five Chargers who did not practice Wednesday, but that number dropped to three when he and cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor practiced in limited fashion. Linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring), edge rusher Bud Dupree (illness) and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) sat out again Thursday.