Tag: Justin Herbert Chiefs

Chargers QB Justin Herbert progressing toward playing in Week 4

Despite an ongoing ankle issue, Justin Herbert could play in Week 4. It seems he is progressing as the week goes on ahead.

It sounds like Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a realistic shot at playing against the Chiefs in Week 4. He left the team’s Week 3 loss with a reaggravated ankle injury, which he came into the game with.

Herbert was listed as questionable against the Steelers due to the injury but eventually started. Based on comments made on Wednesday, though, there’s some optimism about his chances of playing this weekend.

“I think it’s better than where we were last week. It’s progressing, it was just really painful during the game with the buildup from the hits and the toll on it… It [ankle] feels good. Those reps are valuable.”

In his five-year NFL career, Herbert has missed just four games due to injury, all of which took place at the end of last season. Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has continuously praised his quarterback for his overall toughness.

In fact, Harbaugh mentioned that he was the one who decided to take Herbert out in Week 3. The former Oregon product has played through several painful injuries in his career, and this may be the latest case.

Taylor Heinicke came in and finished out the Week 3 contest, and the offense clearly struggled. The unit failed to score any points in the second half, albeit against a stout Steelers defense.

The biggest difference was the injuries to the team’s two starting tackles, as Heinicke was sacked three times after coming in.

If the Chargers want a realistic shot at upsetting the Chiefs in Week 4, they’ll need Herbert under center. As the week progresses, there seems to be legitimate optimism that he will be able to play.

Should the Chargers play Justin Herbert vs. Chiefs?

The Chargers will have a decision to make this week.

The Chargers will have a decision to make this week, and that is whether or not to start Justin Herbert against the Chiefs this Sunday.

Herbert aggravated his right ankle sprain in Los Angeles’ Week 3 loss to the Steelers, and he was in a walking boot this past Sunday and Monday.

Herbert provided an update on Wednesday, saying that he feels less pain. He was able to do some 7-on-7 work at practice.

Herbert said there has been talk about resting him until the bye, but he “doesn’t think that’s the way we’re heading.”

If you know by now, Herbert oozes toughness and has played through multiple injuries throughout his career, including this past Sunday against the Steelers.

While securing a divisional win against the reigning Super Bowl champions is important, so is Herbert’s health and longevity.

The Chargers will likely be without starting offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, who are dealing with pectoral and knee injuries, respectively.

Without Slater and Alt, there will likely be a lot of pressure coming off the edges. And Herbert getting hit and knocked down consistently caused the aggravation of his ankle this past weekend.

Furthermore, the Bolts will also be without Derwin James. James is serving a one-game suspension. Joey Bosa’s availability is up in the air as he is dealing with a hip injury.

Given the circumstances, it will already be difficult to beat the Chiefs. But it would be more difficult to see your franchise quarterback worsen the injury and miss extended time.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert looks to stay hot vs. Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium

Chargers QB Justin Herbert is undefeated at Arrowhead Stadium.

Arrowhead Stadium is not the most welcoming place for opposing teams. That reputation comes from the crowd noise, which Chiefs fans have become notorious for over the years.

While it might be one of the most hostile sports environments, quarterback Justin Herbert has been one to ignore the noise when he has stepped on Kansas City’s turf.

In both his trips to Arrowhead Stadium, Herbert is 2-0 and has 583 passing yards, seven touchdowns to zero interceptions, with a 70% completion percentage and a passer rating of 129.1.

In Herbert’s first exposure to Arrowhead, he guided the Chargers to a 38-21 win – throwing for 302 yards and accounting for four touchdowns against a Chiefs team primarily playing their backups.

Last season, Herbert amassed 281 yards passing and four touchdowns en route to an overtime victory by the score of 30-24.

Even though the conditions of the stadium have not negatively impacted his game, it’s always a challenge for Herbert and company when they face the Chiefs, and it should be no different on Thursday night.

In Kansas City’s victory over the Cardinals in Week 1, they showed once again why they are a threat not just in the division but to win another Super Bowl title.

Even though the electric playmaker in Tyreek Hill is no longer with the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes still played at an MVP-caliber level – going 30 for 39 with 360 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.

Defensively, the Chiefs held Arizona’s quarterback Kyler Murray to less to just 193 yards passing and 29 yards rushing and keeping them to just seven points for most of the game.

Meanwhile, Herbert went 26-of-34 passing for 279 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in Los Angeles’ victory over the Raiders in the season opener.

The Chargers’ defense held on against Las Vegas’ Derek Carr and Davante Adams, amassing six sacks and three turnovers.

With two of the league’s best quarterbacks, a pair of bright head coaches and plenty of star power on both sides of the ball, this divisional showdown between Los Angeles and Kansas City should have all the fireworks.