Chargers' Justin Herbert Could Rest Until Bye; HC Harbaugh Says Injury 'Progressing'

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who suffered a right high-ankle sprain on Sept. 15 versus the Carolina Panthers before sustaining an aggravation of that injury on Sept. 22 at the Pittsburgh Steelers, is out of a walking boot.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh relayed that news to reporters on Wednesday, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. He also said that Herbert's Monday MRI showed he is "progressing."

Despite the positive outlook, Herbert noted there has been discussion about sitting out and resting until the bye week: The quarterback broke down the situation Wednesday:

The Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 before a Week 5 bye.

Herbert previously dealt with a plantar fascia injury to his right foot during training camp and spent two weeks in a walking boot in early August. He was good to go for the regular season, though.

Unfortunately, Herbert suffered the sprain during a 26-3 road win over the Panthers. He practiced just once before the team's 20-10 loss to the Steelers but still started. However, Harbaugh removed Herbert from the game soon after a third quarter sack by Elandon Roberts.

Herbert was seen in a walking boot postgame. He told reporters (h/t Kris Rhim of ESPN) postgame that he was "getting sore" throughout the Steelers game but the pain got worse post-sack.

The question now is whether Herbert will be able to go for a crucial AFC West matchup against the defending back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who have started the season 3-0.

If not, then the Chargers turn to Taylor Heinecke, who replaced Herbert in the Steelers game. L.A. also has Easton Stick on the roster.

But for now, Herbert's situation is worth monitoring as Sunday's game gets closer.

Los Angeles also has other concerns. Offensive tackle Joe Alt has a right MCL sprain and is likely out for the Chiefs matchup, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Fellow OT Rashawn Slater is expected out with a strained pectoral, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. And edge-rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is dealing with an aggravation of an injury that forced him to leave the Steelers game.

Overall, the Chargers are dealing with numerous injuries this week. Rhim provided more details.

Chargers safety Derwin James is also suspended one game for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players," capped by his hit on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.

So L.A. could very well go into Sunday very shorthanded. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.