LOS ANGELES -- It's almost always been this way for Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke, the Chargers backup quarterback, who the team signed less than a month ago, stood on the sideline of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, expected to engineer a comeback after quarterback Justin Herbert aggravated a high right ankle sprain.
It's a role Heinicke has grown comfortable in over his seven seasons in the NFL, largely as a backup and filling in for injured or benched starters. Sunday was the latest chapter, against a fierce Pittsburgh defense in its home opener, surrounded by fans waving yellow towels.