The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to defeat their AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, for the first time since 2021 in their Week 1 season opener game on Friday night. But unfortunately for Chargers fans, they may need to attempt to do so without a key member of their offensive line.
One of the big moves made by the Chargers this offseason was to bring in former first-round pick Mekhi Becton in free agency, who had a career resurgence in 2024 after shifting to the guard position with the Philadelphia Eagles after spending the first four years of his career at offensive tackle.
Becton profiles to be an important fixture in Jim Harbaugh's run-heavy offense in 2025. But unfortunately, just hours ahead of the Chargers' season opener on Friday against the Chiefs, Becton was added to the injury report with an unnamed illness. According to the team, Becton is now questionable to play in the game.
We have yet to see how well Becton will transition from the Eagles to the Chargers. But given how well Becton played for the stout Eagles offensive line last season, his potential absence in Week 1 would potentially loom large.
Becton's uncertain diagnosis also adds to what has been an incredibly worrying trend for the Chargers' offensive line that initially looked quite formidable on paper, leading into 2025.
Pro Bowl offensive tackle Rashawn Slater is, of course, also set to miss Friday's game, as well as the rest of the 2025 season, after suffering a torn patella tendon last month.
Only time will tell whether Becton will be able to suit up for Friday's game. But given the fact that the Chiefs' defense ranked inside the top-10 last season in yards allowed per game, it could certainly be a long night for the Chargers should Becton be forced to miss the game.
For more on the Chargers, head to Newsweek Sports.
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