NFL Rumors: Justin Herbert's X-Rays on Ankle Injury Negative Ahead of Chiefs-Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will "continue to be monitored this week" after X-rays on his injured ankle were negative, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Herbert told reporters last Friday that he suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Carolina Panthers last Sunday in Week 2. He admitted that the pain was "not great" as the Chargers geared up for a Week 3 road matchup at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Geoffrey C. Arnold of the Oregonian provided more details.

"Herbert sustained the injury after getting the ankle rolled up on near the end of the third quarter in Carolina. Herbert remained on the field for a few moments before he eventually got up, walked slowly to the sideline before entering the blue medical tent. He didn't miss a snap and finished the game, but was walking with a limp after the game."

Rapoport reported Friday morning that Herbert's MRI was "mostly clean" and that it didn't seem to be a major injury. However, he added that Herbert was "extremely limited" during the team's Thursday, Sept. 19 practice.

While the 26-year-old started against Pittsburgh, he only played 36 offensive snaps in the 20-10 loss, with Taylor Heinicke taking over at quarterback midway through.

Herbert, who is in his fifth NFL season, has completed 43-of-64 passes for 399 yards, four touchdowns and one interception through three starts on the season.

Although Easton Stick is listed as the backup in Los Angeles' unofficial depth chart, Heinicke's elevation points to how the coaching staff would approach the QB situation in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs if Herbert is out.

The hope might be that their Week 5 bye limits how much time Herbert misses if he is sidelined.