Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;  Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) active vs. Steelers

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is active for Sunday’s game against the host Pittsburgh Steelers despite nursing a high-ankle sprain.

Multiple media outlets reported Herbert is expected to start the game after he was seen jogging without a limp during pregame activities.

Herbert, who officially was listed as questionable, said Friday that he was unsure if he would play for the Chargers (2-0) on Sunday. Fellow quarterbacks Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke also are active for Sunday’s game.

Herbert, 26, did not miss a snap after having his legs trapped under Carolina Panthers linebacker DJ Johnson during Los Angeles’ 26-3 victory at Carolina last weekend.

The Pro Bowl quarterback has completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 274 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in two games this season.

While Herbert is active, the Chargers listed the following players as inactive: wide receiver Joshua Palmer, linebacker Junior Colson, cornerback Tarheeb Still, running back Kimani Vidal, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden and defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe.

The Steelers (2-0) listed quarterback Russell Wilson inactive for the third straight game. They also ruled the following players as inactive for Sunday’s contest: guard Isaac Seumalo, tight end Mycole Pruitt, wide receiver Roman Wilson, cornerback Darius Rush and safety Terrell Edmunds.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;  Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Chargers coach: Justin Herbert’s ankle ‘much better’

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is trending toward playing against the host Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.

The question of Herbert’s status was raised for Sunday’s game on the heels of the Pro Bowl quarterback sustaining an ankle injury during the Chargers’ 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers this past weekend. Herbert did not miss a snap after having his legs trapped under Panthers linebacker DJ Johnson.

“Crystal ball? Expect him to get better every day,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said, per The Athletic. “I was in a meeting with him. Said he was feeling much better and good today.”

It was not immediately known if Herbert would participate in practice on Wednesday.

Herbert, 26, has completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 274 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in two games for the Chargers (2-0).

Easton Stick would get the nod over Taylor Heinicke should Herbert be unable to suit up on Sunday, Harbaugh said.

“Right now it’s Easton,” he said. “But we are going to be way over the legal limit of ‘what ifs’ if this or if that.”

–Field Level Media

Aug 23, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) passes the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Chargers to acquire QB Taylor Heinicke from Falcons

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to acquire quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick, The Athletic reported.

Heinicke will battle Easton Stick to become the backup to Chargers star QB Justin Herbert. He would have been the emergency third quarterback in Atlanta behind Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr.

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons at the start of free agency, and Atlanta selected Penix with the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Heinicke, 31, was 1-3 as the starter in his first season with Atlanta in 2023, completing 54.4 percent of his passes for 890 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

He is 13-15-1 overall with 6,635 passing yards, 39 TDs and 28 interceptions in 38 games (29 starts) with the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Washington (2020-22) and Atlanta.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke agrees to pay cut

Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke agreed to a pay cut to remain with the Atlanta Falcons, ESPN reported.

His base salary for the 2024 season was slashed from $5 million to $1.21 million, and his $1.32 million roster bonus was reclassified as a signing bonus, per Monday’s report.

Heinicke’s active roster bonus of $40,000 per game was also removed from his contract and his total cap number was reduced from $8.96 million to $4.53 million.

The Falcons have overhauled their quarterback room this offseason, signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract at the start of free agency and trading Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals.

Heinicke, 31, was 1-3 as the starter in his first season with Atlanta in 2023, completing 54.4 percent of his passes for 890 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

He is 13-15-1 overall with 6,635 passing yards, 39 TDs and 28 picks in 38 games (29 starts) with the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Washington (2020-22) and Atlanta.

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) looks down field against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Falcons turn back to Desmond Ridder as QB1

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to return to the starting role when the team returns from its bye this week, NFL Network reported on Sunday.

Ridder started the Falcons’ first eight games of the season before being evaluated for a concussion during a game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 29. Taylor Heinicke entered that game and started the past two for Atlanta (4-6), which returns to face the visiting New Orleans Saints on Nov. 26.

Ridder relieved Heinicke when he sustained a hamstring injury in the second half of the Falcons’ 25-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.

Ridder, 24, has completed 65.4 of his passes for 1,740 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions in nine games this season. He was selected by Atlanta in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Heinicke, 30, completed 55.4 percent of his passes for 498 yards with three touchdowns and one pick in parts of three games this season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) prepares to snap the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders name Taylor Heinicke starting QB for Week 11

Washington head coach Ron Rivera named Taylor Heinicke the Commanders’ starting quarterback for this week’s game against the Houston Texans.

Carson Wentz (finger) resumed throwing Wednesday but has not been cleared for a return to practice. He’s eligible to come off injured reserve after missing four weeks.

Wentz started the season as the QB1 in Washington until a fractured right ring finger sent him to IR following a Week 6 win over the Chicago Bears.

Heinicke is 3-1 since Wentz went to the sideline with a 2-4 record. Heinicke capped the active run Monday night with a 32-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, who were previously unbeaten and among Super Bowl favorites.

The 29-year-old Heinicke has five touchdowns and four interceptions in 2022, piloting a run-first offense to wins over the Eagles, Colts and Packers in addition to a three-point loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Once Wentz is cleared for a return to practice, the Commanders have 21 days to add him to the active roster. Whether Wentz reclaims the starting QB role at that point is anyone’s guess.

“You have to look at the momentum,” Rivera said Wednesday. “You have to look at what the mood of the team is, obviously. You look at what is best for the team, and at the end of the day, that’s how it has to be.”

Acquired by the Commanders from the Indianapolis Colts, Wentz had 10 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. He was sacked nine times in a 24-8 loss to the Eagles on Sept. 25.

–Field Level Media

Oct 9, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) jogs off the field after the Commanders' game against the Tennessee Titans at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders QB Carson Wentz placed on injured reserve

The Washington Commanders placed quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve Saturday.

The move comes after he fractured his finger during Washington’s 12-7 victory over the Chicago Bears on Oct. 13. He then underwent surgery on Monday in Los Angeles.

Wentz, 29, is required to miss four games as a result of being placed on injured reserve. Those games include road clashes against two former teams: the Indianapolis Colts (Oct. 30) and Philadelphia Eagles (Nov. 14).

Wentz has thrown for 1,489 yards with 10 touchdowns against six interceptions in six games this season.

He has completed 62.6 percent of his passes with 150 touchdowns and 63 picks in 91 career games with the Eagles (2016-20), Colts (2021) and Commanders since being selected by Philadelphia with the second overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Taylor Heinicke will be under center for the Commanders (2-4) on Sunday against the visiting Green Bay Packers (3-3).

Heinicke went 7-8 as Washington’s starter in 2021. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,419 yards and 20 touchdowns against 15 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Aug 20, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Heinicke announced as Commanders starting QB

Washington coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday anointed Taylor Heinicke the starting quarterback for the Commanders’ Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers.

Rookie Sam Howell will be the backup.

Heinicke replaces Carson Wentz, who underwent surgery Monday on his fractured finger. Wentz is expected to be sidelined 4 to 6 weeks.

“Taylor right now gives us the best chance,” Rivera said Tuesday.

Rivera was asked if any consideration was given to tabbing Howell as the starter.

“We didn’t want to put Sam in this situation this early in his career,” Rivera said. “I think Sam is still learning what we do and how we do it … we think he’s on track.”

Wentz fractured the ring finger of his throwing hand in last week’s win over the Chicago Bears. He underwent successful surgery Monday in Los Angeles, the Commanders said in a statement. Hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin performed the surgery. Rivera said a decision on whether to place Wentz on injured reserve would come later this week.

The Commanders selected Howell in the fifth round of this year’s draft.

Wentz sustained the injury late in the first half of Thursday’s win when his hand hit Bears defensive lineman Justin Jones on his follow-through. He remained in the game and played the entirety of the contest.

Wentz finished 12-of-22 passing for 99 yards. He has 1,489 yards passing on the season with 10 touchdowns against six interceptions.

Heinicke went 7-8 as Washington’s starter in 2021. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,419 yards and 20 TDs against 15 INTs.

The Commanders (2-4) host the Green Bay Packers (3-3) this Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Dec 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) stands in the huddle against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Washington QB Taylor Heinicke tests positive

Starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke became the latest member of the Washington Football Team to test positive for COVID-19, multiple outlets reported Friday.

Backup quarterback Kyle Allen was one of 21 Washington players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week, leaving the team with only practice squad signal-callers Kyle Shurmur and Jordan Ta’amu.

Washington also reportedly planned to sign Garrett Gilbert off the New England Patriots’ practice squad on Friday.

There’s a chance Heinicke could still play Sunday when Washington (6-7) visits NFC East rival Philadelphia (6-7).

Under the revised protocols implemented by the NFL on Thursday, fully vaccinated players or staff can “test out” of the protocols under one of three complex testing scenarios and with the provision they are asymptomatic for at least 24 hours.

Heinicke, 28, has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 2,931 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 13 games (12 starts) this season.

Shurmur, 25, has never appeared in an NFL game. Neither has Ta’amu, 24, who signed with WFT on Wednesday.

Gilbert, 30, made one start last season with the Dallas Cowboys. He passed for 243 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 24-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

–Field Level Media