Who is Justin Herbert's backup? Chargers depth chart in the spotlight after Week 3 injury update

Justin Herbert's injury update probably won't make for the most positive piece of news for Los Angeles Chargers fans, especially considering they are 2-0 in the Jim Harbaugh era.

Herbert has been dealing with a high-ankle sprain after his leg got caught underneath him after a tackle during the Week 2 game against the Carolina Panthers. Per multiple reports, the Chargers quarterback was "extremely limited" in practice sessions leading up to Week 3. On Friday, September 20, Herbert was officially listed as questionable for Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If Herbert fails to suit up this Sunday, Harbaugh confirmed that backup quarterback Easton Stick will line up under center. The Chargers also have Taylor Heinicke as an option.

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Meet Justin Herbert's backup, Easton Stick

Herbert had his ankle taped up and didn't miss another snap against the Panthers last week despite the fact that they had the game wrapped in a bow. He also didn't practice on Wednesday and was a limited participant on Thursday.

The Chargers have not ruled Herbert out just yet but there is a chance they could turn to Easton Stick this Sunday.

Stick might not be the most impressive backup quarterback in the league (that honor might belong to Justin Fields at the moment). Stick didn't impress in preseason, completing 45.5% of his passes and averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. He threw one touchdown to three INTs, numbers that don't exactly inspire confidence.

Heinicke is currently listed as QB3 but don't expect the former Falcons quarterback to take the field this Sunday.

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When could Justin Herbert return from injury?

If - and that's a big 'if' - Herbert isn't fit enough to face the Steelers, it is more than likely we see him return to action in Week 4 when the Chargers go up against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Affording Herbert some additional rest before facing Andy Reid's Chiefs might also be the wiser call given we're seeing plenty of injuries piling up around the league.