Chargers’ Justin Herbert exits loss after aggravating ankle injury

PITTSBURGH — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert left Sunday’s 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter after aggravating a right high ankle sprain he’d been nursing this week.

Herbert was sacked by outside linebacker Elandon Roberts and got up with a significant limp. Herbert handed the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins on the next play but then limped off to the sideline and had his ankle looked at by trainers.

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke, whom the Chargers traded for just over three weeks ago, replaced Herbert. Heinicke finished the game with 24 yards passing, completing both attempts. He also was sacked three times.

It was an injury-laden day for the Chargers stars. Outside linebacker Joey Bosa left the game in the first quarter with a hip injury after playing only two snaps. He played just 14 snaps in last week’s win over the Carolina Panthers with a back injury.

Left tackle Rashawn Slater, meanwhile, suffered a pectoral injury and spent most of the second half on the sideline.