Chargers may be without five starters vs. Chiefs because of injuries, suspension

The Chargers not only lost 20-10 to the Steelers on Sunday in Pittsburgh, but multiple top players were injured.

Quarterback Justin Herbert, who had been dealing with a high-ankle sprain, exited the game in the second half after aggravating the injury. Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater and rookie right tackle Joe Alt also didn’t finish the contest.

Outside linebacker Joey Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowler, was injured on the first play of Sunday’s game, CBS Sports noted, because of a hip injury. He also remained on the sideline for the rest of the game.

That is four starting players whose status for this Sunday’s game against the Chiefs at SoFi Stadium are in question.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh provided an update Monday on Herbert, who was in a walking boot on his right foot after Sunday’s game. X-rays didn’t reveal a break, Harbaugh said.

“I’m sure we’ll do an MRI, too, as well,” Harbaugh said on the team’s website. “We’re going to evaluate and get treatment. We’ll have much more information for you on Wednesday.”

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Alt “suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday’s loss and is expected to miss some time.” That would rule him out for this weekend’s game against the Chiefs.

Slater has a pectoral injury, Rapoport reported, and is not expected to play. Harbaugh expects to know more about Bosa by midweek.

“Evaluations today on everybody, treatment,” Harbaugh said of the other injured Chargers. “Will be able to give you much better information when the injury report comes out Wednesday.”

James suspended

The Chargers got more bad news Monday when All-Pro safety Derwin James was suspended by the NFL.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared the news on X, saying James was punished “for one game for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday’s game vs. Steelers.”

Heinicke or Herbert?

If Herbert can’t play Sunday, Taylor Heinicke would get the start at quarterback. He replaced Herbert in Pittsburgh and completed both of his passes for 24 yards.

Heinicke is in his first season with the Chargers after playing for the Falcons a year ago. He’s also played for the Commanders and Texans.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with the playbook the last two or three weeks,” Heinicke told the San Diego Union Tribune on Sunday. “We’ll see how this week goes and what happens.”