Below are three takeaways from Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback Justin Herbert and others following Wednesday's media availability:
Herbert making progress
Justin Herbert said Wednesday that he feels "less pain" with his high ankle sprain compared to this point last week.
The Chargers quarterback spoke for nearly 10 minutes after Wednesday's practice.
"I think it's better than where we were last week," Herbert said. "It's progressing, it was just really painful during the game with the buildup from the hits and the toll on it.
"I think we've done a good job of rehabbing and getting treatment on it and I think we're taking steps forward," Herbert added.
Herbert, a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, said he was able to move around and throw in 7-on-7 drills.
"It feels good," Herbert said. "Those reps are valuable."
As for Sunday, Herbert said it remains to be seen if he'll play or not against the Chiefs.
"It's early. But I'm going to do everything I can to play. As long as we keep moving in the right direction with weight room, treatment, that's always the goal."
And even though the Bolts have a Week 5 bye on the horizon, Herbert said he wasn't looking too far ahead.
"That was always a part of the conversation," Herbert said. "I don't think that's the way that we're heading. I think it's go day-to-day and see how it is and keep getting better."
As far as his treatment, Herbert said being back at The Bolt certainly has its advantages after the Chargers were on the road for 10 days last week in both Charlotte and Pittsburgh.
"Nothing can compete with this place," Herbert said.
He later added: "The good thing about this facility is that we have the whirlpool, so you're able to run and jog on it and test it out that way."
Herbert said he wore a walking boot Sunday and Monday and that he received "good" news on both his MRI and X-ray results.
Given that he played through the injury once already, Herbert also noted he has a better idea of how to manage everything that comes with the injury.
"That's a good point. The good thing about this, too, is that I feel better than I did last Wednesday," Herbert said. "As long as we keep moving forward and keep getting better and we're not taking steps back, I think we're moving in the right direction."
The challenge of Mahomes
The Bolts will see a second AFC West opponent Sunday in their second home game of the 2024 season.
The division-rival Chiefs are up next, the first time Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will get to face one of the top quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes.
"Multiple challenges," Harbaugh said about the Chiefs offense. "Really good run game, really good throwing game, explosive offense.
"I think everybody understands the challenge of playing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes in every way," Harbaugh added. "His ability to move the ball with his legs, with his arm, within the offense is elite."
Mahomes has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 659 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions through three games.
Even in Harbaugh's time away from the NFL, it was hard to miss Mahomes and what he was doing in Kansas City.
He said he still watched the quarterback from afar.
"Who hasn't? I've commented before, he's an elite player," Harbaugh said. "And the best. At the top. Super Bowls, winner all the way.
"It's amazing what he can do," Harbaugh added. "Nothing but respect."
Mahomes hasn't aired the ball out a lot through three games so far, but he's been efficient underneath with an average depth of target of 5.4 yards, according to Pro Football Focus.
He has attempted just five throws of 20-plus yards while completing two of them through the first three games. However, both of the deep completions went for touchdowns, as the defense knows they have to be focused at all times due to his ability to change a game with one play.
"He's one of the best quarterbacks when it comes to getting out of the pocket and making plays with his legs and keeping his eyes down field and making plays down field," safety AJ Finley said Wednesday.
Safety Elijah Molden added: "They challenge the disciplines of defenses and our eyes. Obviously, Mahomes is one of the most talented quarterbacks of all time. Giving him the respect that he deserves. It's going to come down to what we do. How we handle our rules."
It's going to be a big challenge for the Bolts defense, especially if they are down some pieces.
But Harbaugh believes this is a big opportunity to see the unit going against one of the very best in the league in Mahomes and company.
"In terms of opportunity, it's how it feels," Harbaugh said. "And we're attacking it as such."
Bolts to be without James in Week 4
The Chargers will be without Derwin James, Jr. against the Chiefs as the safety has been suspended for one game.
Harbaugh said Wednesday he is "disappointed" with the suspension and gave a lengthy response with his thoughts on it.
"You know how I feel about Derwin, he is a shining star in every way, as a teammate, captain of this team, two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year, everything that he has done for the Chargers and the entire league," Harbaugh said. "He's a shining star, shining example. He does not want to hurt anybody, any other player that he plays. He just wants it to be competition but that is always on his mind, he wants to do it exactly how the NFL wants to have people tackled in his game. Character unquestioned.
"I'm here to tell you that there's nobody I respect more than Derwin James, that I've ever been associated with, been on a team with or opposition," Harbaugh continued. "He has reached out on his own to officials this past summer to gain a better grasp of how they want it done.
"The evidence is right there in the tape. Look at his 20-something tackles on the season," Harbaugh added. "He is going out of his way, literally going out of his way sometimes giving up yards so that he can not injure another player or hit him with the head."
Fellow safety Finley also raved about James' leadership on Wednesday and said he's been an instrumental part of his development.
"I can't say this about a lot of guys, but he's one of those guys that leads every type of way," Finely said. "He's a vocal leader, he leads by example, he's a guy that brings people along, too.
"It's honestly been great for me having a guy like him in my room," Finley added. "He leads in every type of way possible."
James was called for an unnecessary roughness personal foul in the third quarter of Week 3.
Harbaugh said Wednesday that he had a conversation with James but reiterated that the Pro-Bowl safety is focused on playing by the rules.
"All somebody can do is their best. Give it their best. He is giving it his absolute best," Harbaugh said. "You keep asking me the same questions with the same answers.
"He genuinely cares and does not want to hurt anybody," Harbaugh continued. "He wants to do it the way the league wants it done and the evidence is there."
The Chargers could turn to either Elijah Molden or A.J. Finley to start alongside Alohi Gilman at safety against the Chiefs.
"It will be next man up mentality," Harbaugh said.
