Just 24 hours after the Los Angeles Chargers announced that All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater would be out for a big Week 4 game with the Kansas City Chiefs, the right side of the offensive line is now I also suffer a lotputting an already lame Justin Herbert in danger against a Chiefs defense looking to get its pass rush going.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport:
“The #Chargers have downgraded OT Joe Alt to questionable with a sprained MCL. It was previously questionable.
The 6’8″ Alt was the 5th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after being named a unanimous All-American during his junior season at Notre Dame. Some questioned this choice, especially after the team left Los Angeles’ two top pass catchers (Keenan Allen and Mike Williams), but rather than take Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, Jim Harbaugh was determined to create the same kind of smash-mouth. identity that he was able to develop at Stanford, San Francisco and Michigan.
It’s a small sample size, Joe Alt has been every bit as good as the Chargers could have hoped as they looked to establish that identity. According to Pro Football FocusAlt is the 15th highest-rated offensive tackle in the league through three weeks.
Chargers roster decimated in Week 3 loss to Steelers
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Joe Alt was one of the few Chargers — along with Herbert, Slater and four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa — who left Los Angeles’ Week 3 loss to the Steelers early due to injury. Pittsburgh did not emerge unscathed, losing Jaylen Warren and Alex Highsmith during their 20-10 victory.
In addition to Alt, Herbert, Slater and Bosa, the Chargers will once again be without rookie linebacker Junior Colson, who missed the game against Pittsburgh, as well as star safety Derwin James Jr., who was suspended for a match due to an unnecessary accident. roughness penalty called against him on a hit against Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.
It’s never a good time to face as many guys as Los Angeles this Sunday, but it’s especially unsettling when the back-to-back Super Bowl champions come to your building in what will surely feel like a game at Arrowhead. West. Don’t expect to see anyone in the Chargers locker room making excuses. Jim Harbaugh will have the players ready for a war on Sunday afternoon.
