Justin Herbert expected to start Sunday against Kansas City: Report

Justin Herbert continues to deal with a high ankle sprain, but the injury isn't expected to prevent him from starting on Sunday. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback is expected to start against Kansas City barring a pregame setback, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Herbert originally suffered the injury during the Chargers' 26-3 Week 2 win against the Carolina Panthers, but he didn't miss a snap and finished the game. He wasn't as fortunate against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. He re-aggravated the injury while being sacked in the third quarter, limped off the field and didn't return in the 20-10 loss.

Herbert wore a walking boot after the game and was limited in practice throughout the past week. With a bye week coming in Week 5, there was talk of Herbert sitting out the game against Kansas City to give the ankle extra rest. Herbert said during the week the ankle is progressing and sitting out was not in his plans .

Herbert played well against the Steelers before re-aggravating the injury. He completed 12-of-18 passes for 125 passes with one touchdown and no turnovers. However, he was clearly limited in mobility against a tough Pittsburgh defense.

Kansas City's defense isn't as tenacious as the Steelers, but defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolu is an aggressive play-caller and it's likely Kansas City will come after Herbert. Los Angeles is seventh is rushing in the NFL, so look for coach Jim Harbaugh to lean even more into the rushing attack to help keep his hobbled quarterback out of harm's way.