NFL Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert Expected to Play in Week 4

The Los Angeles Chargers appear to have dodged a bullet. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to play in Week 4's showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs despite exiting Week 3's 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a high-ankle sprain.

From @GMFB: A look at the QB situations for the #Packers (with Jordan Love return looming), the #Dolphins (Snoop this week?), and #Chargers (how short-handed will LAC be?). pic.twitter.com/hzh7grMb96
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2024

Herbert took a beating on limited snaps on Sunday, absorbing two sacks and leaving the field after only 36 offensive snaps. He was replaced in the lineup by veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who completed both of his passes but failed to lead a single scoring drive.

Herbert being available for such a pivotal matchup against the Chiefs is good news, but the fact that he'll likely still be hobbled doesn't bode well for the Chargers. He has already struggled so far this season, averaging a minuscule 133 passing yards per game and 5.60 net yards per passing attempt.

Thankfully, the Chargers have done a wonderful job supplementing Herbert with an effective run game through three weeks. 2024 free agent acquisition J.K. Dobbins has been a revelation, compiling 310 rushing yards at an NFL-best 7.4 yards per attempt. If the Chargers can maintain production like that against the Chiefs, who ranked 24th in the league last season with 4.5 yards per rushing attempt allowed, they may not have to rely too heavily on Herbert.