The Los Angeles Chargers’ promising season hit a major snag on Monday. The team announced that rookie tackle Joe Alt will undergo season-ending surgery on a high ankle injury he suffered during Sunday’s 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. This is a devastating setback for a player who was quickly becoming a cornerstone of the offensive line.
How Will the Chargers Survive Without Joe Alt?
Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmet of quarterback Easton Stick (2) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmet of quarterback Easton Stick (2) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The injury happened in the second quarter when Alt’s right leg twisted awkwardly while he was anchoring a block against a Titans edge rusher. He went down immediately, clutching his ankle, and was eventually carted off the field after being examined by trainers. The loss is a significant blow for a Chargers offensive line already dealing with injuries to Rashawn Slater and Trey Pipkins.
“Feel bad for Joe,”said Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. “I know it’s going to be OK. It’s not going to be life-altering. I feel bad for him.”
As the fifth overall pick from Notre Dame, Alt had established himself as a reliable force in his rookie campaign. He earned top-graded snaps in both pass protection and run blocking, and his ability to secure the edge was crucial in keeping quarterback Justin Herbert protected during the team’s early-season success.
Can Trevor Penning Fill the Void Left on the Line?
New Orleans Saints, Trevor Penning
November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Trevor Penning (70) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
With Alt’s season over, the front office had to move quickly ahead of the trade deadline. General Manager Joe Hortiz managed to strike a last-minute deal with the New Orleans Saints to acquire offensive lineman Trevor Penning. The trade highlighted the team’s urgency, coming in what Newsweek described as “the waning minutes of the trade deadline.”
Penning, a 2022 first-round pick out of Northern Iowa, has allowed only three sacks this season and brings a reputation for toughness to a depleted unit. According to Sports Illustrated, Los Angeles “didn’t stand a chance” at the deadline because of its limited draft capital and weakened negotiating position due to the injury. Despite the circumstances, acquiring Penning is seen as a necessary depth move.
Before landing Penning, FanSided reported that the Chargers explored a trade for Giants tackle Evan Neal. His uncertain status in New York made him a potential low-cost target, but Los Angeles ultimately chose the immediate stability that Penning offered over a longer-term project.
Now standing at 6-3, the Chargers are still in the AFC playoff picture but are about to face their toughest stretch of the season. Losing Alt is a major challenge, and how the team adjusts in the trenches will ultimately determine if its postseason aspirations remain achievable.