Big update on Justin Herbert’s injury, X-ray report surprises everyone!

Monday, Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh reported Justin Herbert’s exacerbated right high ankle sprain X-rays were negative.

That was the only update Harbaugh gave on numerous important Chargers injuries from Sunday’s 20-10 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After a nine-day road trip to Charlotte and Pittsburgh, the Chargers returned to their facility Monday reeling. Herbert worsened his high ankle injury against the Steelers in the third quarter. He wore a walking boot after the game. On Monday, Harbaugh said the Chargers will “do an MRI, too” on Herbert’s ankle.

Both Chargers starting tackles were injured in the game. Left tackle Rashawn Slater injured his left pectoral in the second quarter. After getting a brace at halftime, he tried to play again. However, a strip sack early in the third quarter ended his game. In Sunday’s loss, rookie right tackle Joe Alt hurt his right leg on the final offensive snap. He hobbled in the locker room after the game. Alt’s right MCL is sprained, according to several reports.

And more: Joey Bosa’s hip injury worsened on the opening defensive play. One third down later in the first quarter, he returned. He never played another snap. In training camp, Bosa broke his hand. His back ailment in the season opener restricted him to 14 snaps in Week 2. He injured his hip in 14 snaps.

Four of the Chargers’ finest players are injured as Harbaugh prepares to coach her first game in L.A. against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Harbaugh was asked if Herbert wore his walking boot Monday. “I do not know that,” he said.

When questioned about Slater’s injury on Monday, Harbaugh stated, “Evaluations today on everybody, treatment. With the injury report on Wednesday, we can provide better information.

Is Alt’s injury to his knee? Harbaugh remarked, “I’m going to be able to be more specific on Wednesday.” Harbaugh didn’t sure if Bosa’s hip problem is “connected to the back.” “We’ll get much more specific information by Wednesday,” he said.

With both starting tackles injured, there may be front-line changes. When Slater went down Sunday, the Chargers started Jamaree Salyer at left tackle. Salyer was thrashed poorly on his first rep, so the Chargers moved him inside to right guard and placed Trey Pipkins III at left tackle. Pipkins’ left middle finger was injured in the game. The training staff splinted Pipkins’ finger as he left the locker room Sunday night.

At tackle, Pipkins and Foster Sarell are choices. The practice squad includes Alex Leatherwood. On Monday, Harbaugh said Salyer had “had more time on task at the guard position.” If Alt and Slater are out, Sarell at LT, Zion Johnson at LG, Bradley Bozeman at C, Salyer at RG, and Pipkins at RT might start.

The Chargers can potentially move Bozeman to right guard and put Brenden Jaimes at center.

The defense was terrible once Slater left. After replacing Herbert in the third quarter, Taylor Heinicke had three sacks in two drives.

“In protection, we had a sequence that wasn’t right,” Harbaugh said.

A Herbert absence would put Heinicke in the starting lineup Sunday. Week 5 is a Chargers bye.

Herbert completed 12 of 16 throws for 125 yards and a touchdown in the first half, and Harbaugh has no regrets.

I believe that was good,” Harbaugh said of the decision-making process. The doctors assess. Clear. With your eye, can he perform? Can he accomplish what’s needed and defend himself? Is he confident playing? All those components are puzzle parts. He did well. His play was great. He played quite flawlessly. It was a great game throughout his stay there.

“The other side is you can’t play. Remove it from your hand. So let a warrior not be a warrior. It doesn’t resonate. This is Justin Herbert. That’s not made like him.”

Harbaugh said, “We’ll take that one day at a time.” The Chargers may rest Herbert more this week than last.