Chargers' Asinine Justin Herbert Decision is Jim Harbaugh's First Inexcusable Mistake

The Los Angeles Chargers may have regretted their decision around Justin Herbert in Week 3.
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh catches the ball for quarterback Justin Herbert (10) as he warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh catches the ball for quarterback Justin Herbert (10) as he warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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The Los Angeles Chargers were 2-0 going into the Week 3 showdown vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. After an offseason that was filled with change, the Chargers had an opportunity to start the year 3-0, but there was a massive question rolling into the contest.

It was about the health of Justin Herbert, who had a high-ankle sprain. He suffered that injury in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers and was limited all throughout practice last week.

The Oregon product ended up playing on Sunday but it turned out to be a terrible decision. And was the first bad decision from head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Chargers News: Justin Herbert Re-Injured Ankle Injury

In the Week 3 loss to Pittsburgh, Herbert appeared to aggravate his high-ankle sprain in a sack and ended up leaving the game. He was seen in a walking boot after the matchup but thankfully, X-rays came back negative.

Even though there wasn't any further damage to his ankle, it was a risky play throwing Herbert out there. Especially before an AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at home next week.

Dethroning the Chiefs and winning divisional games should have taken precedence. I know starting off 3-0 and getting another win within the AFC was enticing, but it wasn't a wise choice.

High ankle sprains can take months to fully heal so it's not like Herbert would have been back to 100% after one week off. Regardless, his ankle would have felt better than it does right now.

The two games against the Chiefs are ultra-important. Kansas City has won the AFC West eight straight times, dating back to 2016.

To take down the champ, you need to beat them. Now it'll be even harder with Herbert dealing with another week of rehab to step on the field on Sept. 29.

We'll have to monitor his status in practice this week but this is something Harbaugh will be thinking about.

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