ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was furious with officials Sunday after a physical sequence against the Steelers caused quarterback Justin Herbert to up coming limping.

The sequence took place in the second quarter of Sunday night's game between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. And the first big hit didn't involve Herbert. On this one, Steelers cornerback James Pierre picked up Chargers receiver Derius Davis and body slammed him after and end-around. 

Pierre grabbed Davis by his thighs, picked him up high off the ground and slammed him head first toward the turf. Davis landed on his shoulder and side and appeared to escape injury. 

Pierre was not penalized for his body slam. 

A few plays later, Herbert took off scrambling under pressure. Two Steelers defenders chased him down and tackled him from behind, and Herbert's left ankle got twisted in the turf. 

Herbert came up limping from the play, but remained in the game. 

Later on the same drive, Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith hit Herbert near his knees after Herbert released the ball. At the same time, safety Kyle Dugger clipped Herbert high, and Herbert's right ankle got twisted.

Herbert immediately pleaded with officials for a flag. 

 Harbaugh took up Herbert's case from the sideline with some animated words toward officials. It was to no avail. Officials didn't throw a flag, and the Chargers settled for a field goal after a failed third-and-10 on their next play. 

NBC officiating analyst Terry McAuley sided with officials and explained the lack of a flag from his perspective: 

"It's not [going low]," McAuley said of the hit. "He hits him, wraps him up high and falls down into his leg. That's not a foul for roughing the passer."

Video of the hit is above. You can be the judge.

While Herbert got banged up on the sequence, he didn't leave the game. Herbert spent part of ensuing possession getting both ankles wrapped, then returned to the game for the next Chargers possession.