There was no bigger question about the Los Angeles Chargers‘ first game against the Kansas City Chiefs than if Justin Herbert’s injured ankle would feel good enough for him to play. He was listed as questionable ahead of the game and ultimately he was able to start and finish the game despite an onslaught of pressure from the Chiefs defense against a reshuffled offensive line, due to injuries to their starting tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater.
Justin Herbert Felt Pretty Good, Happy To Make It Through The Game
After the game, Herbert was asked how his ankle was feeling;
“I thought it held up well. [I] took a couple hits but for the most part the integrity felt pretty good. [I was] glad to make it through that one.”
The Chiefs accumulated 18 pressures in the game, including 7 hurries, six hits, and two sacks. There were times that he was seen limping on the sidelines during the game.
Herbert was also asked about precautionary measures he and the team took to protect from doing further damage.
“I wore a brace. I felt much more secure, stable. Obviously, it was a little more bulky um but you know I thought we did a good job protecting it.
He also praised the communication he, the Chargers, and the Chargers training staff had throughout the process.
Herbert was also asked what it meant for him to play today.
“I owe it to those guys in that locker room. I know that everyone else in that locker room would do it as well. You know everyone’s not feeling it’s the NFL. It’s tough. It’s a brutal game but I know that I left everything I had out there.”
Herbert completed 16 passes on 27 attempts (59.3 percent) the 14th-worst completion percentage of his career. He threw for 179 yards and one touchdown.
The Chargers now enter their bye week before preparing for the Denver Broncos.
