The Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with a problem that sounds painfully familiar. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, the team’s starting tackles, are both expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos after suffering injuries in the Chargers’ Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
For a team that spent much of last season trying to survive without its top tackles, losing both again is a major concern. The Chargers are already 0-4 and now have to find a way to protect Justin Herbert with their offensive line in rough shape.
Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater Injuries Recreate Chargers’ Offensive Line Problem
Los Angeles Chargers, Joe Alt and Mike Devlin
Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive line coach Mike Devlin (left) talks with offensive tackle Joe Alt (76) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Chargers entered their game against the Seahawks already dealing with injuries along the offensive line. By the end of the 30-23 loss, the situation had worsened significantly.
“They already came INTO the game last week with injuries…”
“One of the reasons the Chargers struggled last year, they didn’t have their right tackle and left tackle Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, and guess what? They’re BOTH out now too.”
“They already came INTO the game last week with injuries…”
“One of the reasons the Chargers struggled last year, they didn't have their right tackle and left tackle Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, and guess what? They're BOTH out now too.”@ProFootballDoc breaks down the injuries… https://t.co/zjQc1BsfVE pic.twitter.com/NSMc7gcoX2
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) October 8, 2026
Slater suffered a high ankle sprain late in the game, while Alt left earlier after suffering a neck injury. Ian Rapoport reported that Alt is expected to miss Sunday’s matchup with the Broncos, although the Chargers do not currently plan to place him on injured reserve. Slater’s injury is considered more serious, with head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledging that IR was a greater possibility for him.
That immediately brought back memories of last season, when the Chargers struggled after losing both tackles. That is the part that makes these injuries particularly troubling. This isn’t simply a team losing two starters for a week. The Chargers are once again being forced to piece together an offensive line after spending much of the previous season doing the same thing.
The Chargers finished their Seahawks loss with four rookies playing along the line. Logan Taylor moved to left tackle after Slater went down, while Travis Burke handled right tackle after the offensive tackle exited. Jake Slaughter and Jacob Spomer also saw time in unfamiliar spots, leaving Cole Strange as the only regular starter still playing his normal position.
Herbert still managed to give the Chargers a chance. He completed 14 of 17 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown in the second half while taking plenty of pressure behind the makeshift line. That kind of performance will be difficult to repeat if the protection remains unstable.
The Chargers could get some help with Branson Taylor opening his practice window, while Scott Matlock is also nearing a return; however, Trevor Penning remains in concussion protocol, and several other offensive linemen are dealing with injuries.
The Broncos now become the immediate test. Denver’s defense has not been as dominant as in previous seasons, but its pass rush still poses a serious challenge for an offense that may have to rely on inexperienced tackles, and the Chargers cannot afford to put everything on Herbert to create outside structure again.