Joe Alt's injury status vs. Chiefs is the best news possible for Chargers fans

Week 3 was a bad week for the LA Chargers not just because the team suffered its first loss of the season but because of the injuries that were suffered in the loss. Throughout the course of the 60 minutes against the Pittsburgh Steelers the Chargers lost four first-round picks as Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, Justin Herbert and Joe Alt were all removed from the game.

As a quarterback, Herbert is naturally the biggest story and it appears the Chargers dodged a disaster. Herbert simply aggravated his high-ankle sprain but did not do any additional damage. He is on pace to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The status of the other three first-round picks has not been as clear. Bosa has been dealing with hip issues while Slater suffered a torn pectoral. Alt got the worst of it, however, as it was reported he had an MCL sprain, which depending on the severity, is something that can hold him out for months.

However, yet again, it appears the Chargers may have avoided the worst-case scenario. To the surprise of just about everyone, Alt was listed as questionable in Week 4's final injury report. At the very best, many assumed Alt would be listed as doubtful.

Slater and Bosa, meanwhile, were listed as OUT (alongside Junior Colson).

Joe Alt Week's 4 status is the best news possible for Chargers fans

It still seems unlikely that Alt will actually suit up for the Chargers against the Chiefs and at the end of the day, the Bolts probably should be cautious with the sixth overall pick and not rush him back too early. It is up to Jim Harbaugh and the medical staff to keep the big picture in mind and not chase one result against the Chiefs.

However, the fact that Alt is just questionable after suffering the injury a week ago proves the Chargers likely avoided anything serious. Even at the absolute best, fans were preparing to be without Alt for a month when they heard the news it was an MCL sprain.

With the Chargers having a bye week in Week 5 it is completely reasonable to think Alt could return to action in the team's next game. After all, if he is questionable in Week 4, and there are no additional setbacks, then he should be ready to play in Week 6.

This is huge for obvious reasons. Alt has wasted no time establishing himself as one of the best tackles in the sport who is key to the Chargers' overall success. Without him (especially without Slater) the entire house of cards begins to collapse on itself.