Adam Schefter shares insight on Justin Herbert's game status for Chargers-Chiefs

Justin Herbert left the LA Chargers' Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers early as the star quarterback aggravated the high ankle sprain he entered the game with. Suddenly, the focus for the entire fanbase shifted from winning a Week 3 game to Herbert's future and how it would impact the Chargers' season.

The Chargers will return home in Week 4 to take on the Kansas City Chiefs and there is a strong case for Herbert to sit out of the game. Even if Herbert feels better, the Chargers can couple Week 4 with the Week 5 bye to give Herbert 20 days off between games played.

Herbert has proven throughout his career that he is tough as nails and resting him might not be an option if he thinks he is good to go. Chargers fans are in for another long week of tracking Herbert injury updates and while there will not be an official answer until close to kickoff, ESPN's Adam Schefter has an early read that Herbert will play on Sunday.

"My guess early on, let's see how he heals, is that with a huge divisional game against the world champions in Los Angeles with a team coming off a loss that Justin Herbert as tough as he is — a guy who has played with a torn labrum, broken ribs, played with plantar fascia, played with a hurt hand — that he is going to find a way to be our there again," Schefter said onThe Pat McAfee Show. "That's my early read on it. We'll see how he does during the week."

Adam Schefter expects Justin Herbert to play for the Chargers in Week 4

Schefter does not have a concrete answer on whether or not Herbert is going to play as there are so many variables that even the Chargers do not know. The time between now and Sunday's kickoff will ultimately decide whether or not Herbert suits up against the Chiefs.

However, if there is anyone in the entire media space that is plugged-in and at least has an understanding of where the team's mindset is, it is Schefter. Schefter is not outright saying Herbert will play, but he is providing a glimpse into where the team's mindset likely is.

Schefter doesn't say things just to say them and there is a good chance that he spoke to those inside the Chargers organization to get a feel of where Herbert is at. And if Schefter is willing to stick his neck out and say he thinks Herbert is going to play on national TV then that might be the feeling in the room in Los Angeles.

Of course, anything can change and the Chargers have to weigh all these variables when they make their decision. It is not worth risking an entire season just to beat the Chiefs in one game. Sure, they are a division rival and the Bolts just lost, but Jim Harbaugh and Co. need to keep the big picture in mind.

But knowing Herbert, he will tough his way into playing on Sunday simply because he has made a career out of doing just that. Hopefully, if he does play, it doesn't end up being a decision he will regret.