Chargers Steelers Game Preview Week 3

2. A look at the backup QBs

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is questionable for Sunday.

Herbert said on Friday that he was Dealing with a high ankle sprain and that he is doing everything possible to play in Week 3.

If Herbert can't play, either Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke could start. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh declined to speculate on Friday about who that might be.

“Until I know Justin's exact status, I will not disclose any details,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh added that he has “a lot of confidence” in both players.

Harbaugh said in August that he wanted to train Stick and Heinicke differently than Herbert, given the No. 10's world-class skills.

Harbaugh said Friday that the process had gone “very well” in recent weeks.

“I think they both had a really great week of training,” Harbaugh said of Stick and Heinicke.

Harbaugh later added: “Just the way they operate and play their position. They both really had an outstanding week.”

Stick made four starts for the Chargers at the end of the 2023 season when Herbert was on the injured list.

Heinicke was acquired on August 28 in a trade with Atlanta for a conditional sixth-round pick.

“I think one of the great things we've done is these guys prepare like this every week,” Herbert said. “They prepare like they're going to go out and be ready at any moment.”

“I know Stick and Taylor have done such a great job of preparing and understanding the offense that if something were to happen, they'd both be right there,” Herbert added. “Having two guys like that, especially with our coaching staff, gives me confidence that they're very well prepared.”

Harbaugh added: “They both play at a high level.”

Both Herbert and Harbaugh praised Heinicke when asked how quickly the veteran quarterback was able to grasp the Chargers' offense.

“I think it's just because of what an exceptional player he is,” Herbert said. “He's such a great quarterback, he's been very successful in this league and has been able to run such an offense. He's seen a lot of football.”

“It's a real compliment to him that he's pulled it off like that,” Herbert added. “I know the guys will be behind him, they believe in him and they believe in Stick as well. Whoever is out there, they'll give it their all.”

Harbaugh added: “I've mentioned it before, I've never seen anyone do it as quickly as Taylor. It was really extraordinary.”

Heinicke has made 29 starts for three different teams in his career. He has thrown for 6,635 yards with 39 touchdowns in his career.