Update: It appears it has been confirmed Rashawn Slater tore his patella tendon, and will undergo surgery.
The Los Angeles Chargers received unfortunate news during today’s practice: All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered an injury and did not return. The timing is especially brutal, coming just weeks after Slater signed a well-earned contract extension that included significant guaranteed money.
The nature and severity of the injury have not yet been confirmed, but early signs suggest Slater could miss extended time. That would be a devastating blow to an offensive line that has been quietly retooled and reloaded under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Chargers prepared for this scenario — at least partially — by retaining Trey Pipkins in the offseason when he was widely considered a cut candidate. Pipkins, a former starter at right tackle, has experience on the left side and offers a reliable, but much less dominant, alternative in the passing game. Still, there’s no sugarcoating the impact: losing Slater shrinks the ceiling of this offensive line and, by extension, the entire offense.
The 26-year-old Slater had been a foundational piece for the Chargers since being drafted in the first round in 2021. His blend of athleticism, technique, and leadership made him one of the league’s premier blindside protectors. He was expected to anchor the unit tasked with protecting quarterback Justin Herbert in Harbaugh’s new, run-heavy offensive system.
The Chargers have dealt with more than their share of injury woes in recent years, particularly along the offensive line. A long-term absence for Slater would test both their depth and their adaptability heading into a season filled with optimism under new leadership.
For now, the team — and fans — are holding their breath and hoping the news is better than it initially appeared.
Minor thing, the Chargers did not re-sign Pipkins this offseason, they chose not to release him as had been expected by many.
Thanks Tau! Rushed to get this out and mixed up.”Re-signed- with “Retained”
There is a dark karmic element to Rashawn Slater suffering the same injury that I’ve spent the last offseason researching and referring to as a ‘career-ender’ for most NFL players who suffer it.
Josh Simmons (rookie OT from KC) is the player we should all be monitoring closely this year to see if modern medicine has improved the prospect of a successful return from the patella tendon rupture. He suffered the injury in October last season but the Chiefs still drafted him in Round 1.
Past sufferers include: Morris Claiborne, Victor Cruz, JC Jackson, Jerod Mayo, Jack Conklin, Jimmy Graham, Tito Ogbonnia. Nakobe Dean suffered it during the playoffs and hasn’t returned yet. It is not a promising list.
Love the new layout Kyle! Just wish we had happier articles to populate with our commentary!
As a 50+ years fan this sucks, hoping for the best.
Any thoughts of moving Jeramee Salyer to the LT spot? He did a good job last time Slater was injured. I know Alt might be better there but would it be better to see Alt stay at RT with Salyer at LT or better to see Alt at LT with Pipkins at RT? What do you all think?
From all reports Salyer is in great shape and has been having really good practices.
And please just sign B. Schreff for a role on the interior….
Ryan and I discussed this on our pod… I’m honestly a fan of that strategy. And yes, Schreff or Risner. I’d start Risner over Zion in a heartbeat.