The Chargers acquired Trevor Penning via trade before playing the Steelers to bolster their offensive line, but will he play? HC Jim Harbaugh couldn’t answer that question yesterday, acknowledging they have to figure that out. While they’ve managed to win, the Chargers have weathered some major injuries, including to both of their starting offensive tackles.
Los Angeles lost Rashawn Slater a while ago, but Joe Alt just suffered an injury that landed him on IR. The Chargers added Penning, who can play several positions, but it’s too early to say whether he’ll be ready to suit up against the Steelers.
Addressing reporters yesterday, Harbaugh said that Trevor Penning’s status for the Steelers game is “To be determined”. He said they are excited to get him on the field and see what they have in him, but sees familiar characteristics.
“I feel like we’ve got good players”, Harbaugh said, naturally lying to himself. “Enough good, tough [players], which we liked about him. Finishes, played a lot of football. I think he’s kind of like what we like. Fits in great with the room. Love the versatility, but also the ability to play tackle. That’s what the week of practice will be for, to figure out exactly where Trevor [Penning] fits in best”.
Right now, the Chargers have Austin Deculus and Trey Pipkins at left and right tackle, respectively, with veteran Bobby Hart potentially available this week pending health. Penning could, in theory, play left or right tackle. While Harbaugh likes his ability to play guard, he was clear in saying they will start working him at tackle.
A 2022 first-round pick, Trevor Penning never lived up to his pedigree. He has only started 29 of 46 career games, including all 17 in 2024. He has only played in six games this year, but started them all. Over the past two seasons, he has played very nearly every snap in every game in which he has played.
Despite the injuries, the Chargers are 6-3 this season, albeit with wins over some low-level opponents. They do have wins over the Chiefs and Broncos. Heading into the game against the Steelers, they are on a two-game winning streak, but they lost three of four prior to that.
Even if the Steelers do face Trevor Penning, it’s not clear that it would be much of an improvement. Penning has struggled this season, a key part of the reason the Chargers were able to acquire him for a 2027 sixth-round pick. I mean, the Steelers gave up more than that for Nick Vannett.
Either way, Pittsburgh will need more of the same as this past week. The Steelers’ pass rush got after Indianapolis’ tackles, and T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and company will have to do the same against Penning, Deculus, Pipkins, and/or Hart.
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