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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is hopeful that his injured right ankle won’t prevent him from playing in Sunday’s AFC West showdown against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs.

Herbert had to depart last weekend’s 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after aggravating the ankle injury he initially sustained in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.

“It’s early. But I’m going to do everything I can to play,” Herbert told reporters on Wednesday. “As long as we keep moving in the right direction with weight room, treatment, that’s always the goal.”

Herbert said he’s healthier at midweek than he was leading into last week’s game against the Steelers.

“I feel better than I did last Wednesday,” Herbert said. “And so as long as we keep moving forward and we keep getting better, we’re not taking those setbacks. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Herbert was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday, but he isn’t going to fret about Sunday at this point in the week.

“I don’t think worrying does too much. It doesn’t help too much,” Herbert said. “Take it day by day to see how it feels, and if it is an issue, then it’s not safe to go out there and not smart to go play, but it has gotten better.”

Herbert said he received good news after undergoing X-rays and an MRI exam. He said he wore a boot on the foot on Sunday and Monday.

The Chargers (2-1) have a bye in Week 5, which could come to play in any decision involving Herbert.

Taylor Heinicke would start if Herbert can’t play against the Chiefs (3-0). Heinicke replaced Herbert against the Steelers and completed both passes he tossed but was also sacked three times.

Herbert was 12-of-18 passing for 125 yards and one touchdown against Pittsburgh. He has passed for 399 yards, four touchdowns and one interception this season.

Star outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee) were among the players who missed Wednesday’s practice. Slater and Alt are expected to sit out against the Chiefs.

–Field Level Media