Chargers News: Justin Herbert's Expected Game Status Will Vastly Impact Game vs Chiefs

Herbert has dealt with an ankle injury.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to start on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Herbert has been dealing with a high ankle sprain, and will play so long as there is no setback.

#Chargers QB Justin Herbert is expected to start again this week against the #Chiefs, barring a pregame setback with his high-ankle sprain, per me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo.

LAC will be short-handed with several big names out. But Herbert likely plays if all goes well. pic.twitter.com/RiPoE2rw7z

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2024

Herbert re-aggravated his high ankle sprain during last Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert exited the game during the third quarter limping, and was seen wearing a walking boot after the game. Herbert has been a limited participant in practice all week, but looks to play in full on Sunday.

While Herbert will likely play, the Chargers will need to protect him better than they did in the second half against the Steelers. This will be no easy feat, as the Chargers will be without right tackle Rashawn Slater, and left tackle Joe Alt is questionable. Both Slater and Alt exited the game against the Steelers early. Slater is out with a pectoral injury, while Alt is dealing with a knee injury.

In the scenario in which Herbert does not end up playing, Taylor Heinicke would be expected to fill in for him as he did last week. Heinicke went 2-2 for 24 yards against the Steelers, but the offense did not score any points in the second half of the game.

Herbert certainly gives the Chargers the best chance to steal an upset over the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions. The Chargers have lost five straight games against the Chiefs, and the Chiefs have swept them each of the last two seasons. If the Chargers want the chance to compete for the AFC West division, which the Chiefs have won every season since 2016, winning this game is crucial.

Of course, it won't be easy for Herbert given the injury to his ankle. He is expected to play, but it seems unlikely he will be able to play at full capacity or with tremendous mobility.

The Chargers will be without rookie linebacker Junior Colson, safety Derwin James, and edge rusher Joey Bosa against the Chiefs. Colson has a hamstring injury, while Bosa has a hip injury that caused him to leave last week's game against Pittsburgh. James was suspended for one game because of a hit the NFL deemed illegal against Steelers' tight end Pat Freiermuth.

More Chargers:

Five Chargers Players Questionable For Matchup With Chiefs

49ers Star Who Played Under Jim Harbaugh Reveals What Makes Chargers Coach so Special