Progress was made this week by Justin Herbert, but not enough to get him off the injury report.
Herbert’s high ankle sprain has the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback questionable to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
During a Week 2 shellacking of the Carolina Panthers, Herbert sprained his ankle. He went on to play against in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers but didn’t make it through the contest, aggravating the injury and leaving his status for an important Week 4 game in question.
If Herbert is unable to go against the Chiefs, Taylor Heinicke or Easton Stick would start in his place. Heinicke was 2 of 2 for 24 yards and took three sacks during his relief appearance versus the Steelers.
Limited at practice through the week, Herbert said Wednesday that he was making progress with the injury and didn’t foresee sitting out to get extra rest with a Week 5 bye forthcoming.
Concern for Herbert, whose mobility was clearly lacking against Pittsburgh, playing against the Chiefs is heightened as he would do so without his starting left tackle, Rashawn Slater, who was ruled out. Rookie right tackle Joe Alt (knee) is listed as questionable.
Herbert’s official status for Sunday remains to be seen.
The 26-year-old has played well so far in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s run-heavy scheme, completing 67.2% of his passes through three games with 399 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
The Chargers, with or without their franchise QB, will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday versus the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions.