Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert didn’t take part in Wednesday’s observe forward of their sport in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Which means little at this stage with 4 extra days to go earlier than the sport, but it surely’s not an incredible signal, on the similar time. Regardless of not lacking a snap, Herbert sustained an ankle harm in Sunday’s victory over the Carolina Panthers. Donte Jackson and the Steelers’ protection are making ready for him regardless, as a result of he’s that good.
“He appears like Herbert, man. He appears like a $50 million quarterback”, Jackson stated, through the Steelers’ web site. “While you’re working for 200 yards a sport, you may’t actually showcase that fairly arm all that a lot as a result of they’re not stopping the run. Ton of respect for that man. He’s an incredible participant. Could make each throw. He’s a really assured participant. Nice athlete, too, that’s not likely talked about loads”.
Herbert signed a five-year, $262.5 million contract extension final 12 months, averaging $52.5 million per season. His common annual wage at present ranks seventh amongst quarterbacks, with the highest six all signing new offers this offseason. In different phrases, that’s a quarterback value only a bit greater than $50 million.
On the season, Justin Herbert is 31-for-46 for 274 yards with three touchdowns to 1 interception. He solely has 24 speeding yards up to now, however as soon as rushed for 90 yards in a sport in opposition to them. Assuming he does play, at the very least a sore ankle may preserve him within the pocket extra.
As Donte Jackson famous, nevertheless, the Chargers haven’t as but needed to lean on Herbert. They rank second within the league with 395 speeding yards on 71 makes an attempt, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. It has a definite Baltimore flare, the older Harbaugh using the youthful’s personnel. Former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman is looking the performs, and former Ravens RBs J.Ok. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are toting the rock.
However no person questions Justin Herbert’s capacity as a quarterback, at the very least I don’t suppose. Over his first three seasons, he went 1,316-for-1,966 for 14,089 yards with 94 touchdowns to 35 interceptions. Final 12 months was a down 12 months, throughout which he missed 4 video games, however the Chargers appear to be a unique crew with Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach.
And even when Herbert isn’t throwing the ball a ton, he’s efficient when he does, even when their passing sport has been on the conservative facet to date. Not less than that’s what Donte Jackson sees on the movie. “The extra I research him”, he claimed, “the extra I see a assured quarterback again there who can put the crew on his again at any given second”.
I’m positive the Steelers received’t complain an excessive amount of if Herbert does find yourself lacking the sport, but it surely’s too early to make a name on whether or not which may occur. Veteran quarterbacks actually don’t even must observe with a purpose to play, and that applies to Herbert at this stage. Until the Chargers rule him out, they have to be prepared for him. They usually have to be prepared for the very best model of him, even when his mobility is compromised.
