NFL Rumors: Justin Herbert’s X-rays on ankle injury negative for Chiefs-Chargers | News, scores, highlights, stats & rumors

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will “continue to be monitored this week” after X-rays on his injured ankle came back negative, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Herbert told reporters last Friday that he suffered a severe ankle sprain last Sunday in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. He admitted that the pain was “not too bad” as the Chargers prepare for a road game in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Herbert suffered the injury after rolling his ankle late in the third quarter in Carolina. Herbert remained on the field for a few moments before eventually getting up, slowly walking to the sideline and entering the blue medical tent. He didn’t miss a single snap and finished the game, but walked with a limp after the game.”

Rapoport reported Friday morning that Herbert’s MRI was “mostly clear” and that the injury did not appear to be serious. However, he added that Herbert was “extremely limited” during the team’s practice on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Though the 26-year-old started against Pittsburgh, he played just 36 offensive snaps in the 20-10 loss, with Taylor Heinicke taking over the quarterback position midway through the game.

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

While Easton Stick is listed as a reserve on Los Angeles’ unofficial depth chart, Heinicke’s position indicates how the coaching staff would approach the QB situation in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs if Herbert is out.

It is hoped that their week off in week 5 will mean Herbert misses less playing time while sidelined.