The Chargers finished the 2023 season without Justin Herbert, who was dealing with a finger injury. The results were all too predictable. Los Angeles went 0-4 to close out the season, all with Easton Stick under center.

2024 has brought new life to the Chargers. The franchise is off to a 2-0 start under Jim Harbaugh, who hasn't asked Herbert to do too much and instead has relied on the running game.

That might make the Chargers better equipped to handle any time Herbert misses, but the scenario of anyone other than the fifth-year quarterback taking snaps is still a nightmare for a team that now has legitimate playoff hopes.

Here's what you need to know about the latest injury plaguing Herbert and his status ahead of Week 3.

Justin Herbert injury update

Herbert is dealing with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's win over the Panthers.

Harbaugh said Wednesday that Herbert is "feeling much better" than he was at the start of the week, but he didn't reveal whether the quarterback would practice in full. Herbert was later listed as "did not practice" on the Chargers' official report.

Herbert was able to finish Sunday's game despite his ankle getting rolled up under a defender, but he underwent X-rays after the win. X-rays ruled out a serious injury, though the Chargers could play it safe with Herbert so early in the season.

Herbert was seen Thursday at practice with a lot of tape around his ankle.

Despite the uncertainty about Herbert's practice plans, Harbaugh indicated he expects him to start against the Steelers in Week 3.

"Crystal ball? I expect him to [play]," Harbaugh told reporters, adding that Herbert is "getting better every day." Herbert was seen limping after Sunday's win.

Herbert himself didn't express the same optimism outright, saying it's "yet to be decided" if he'll play against the Steelers. He also offered a not-so-positive report on the pain he is still experiencing in his ankle.

Herbert missed much of training camp with a plantar fascia injury to his foot. The Chargers insisted he would be ready for Week 1, and he easily met that timeline. The ankle injury affects the same lower leg, so there's no doubt Los Angeles will make sure all is well before giving him the green light to start in Pittsburgh.