Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, sources told ESPN. The two-time Pro Bowler left the game in a walking boot and crutches, deepening an injury crisis along the Chargers offensive line.
Slater left the game in a walking boot and crutches. He had a cane by the end of the day. He missed all of last season after rupturing his patellar tendon in his left knee in training camp.
What The Team And Sources Said
Coach Jim Harbaugh said he lacked details on how serious the injuries to Alt, Slater and Penning were. The Chargers must submit an injury report Wednesday after practice, so the timeline for their return remains unclear.
Alt suffered a neck injury near the end of the first half, and Penning exited with a head injury. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey also left with a foot injury in the same contest.
Who Replaces Slater At Left Tackle
Rookie Logan Taylor took over at left tackle for the final drives. Rookie Travis Burke replaced Alt at right tackle, Jake Slaughter moved from center to left guard for Penning, and Jacob Spomer stepped in at center.
By the final two drives, Los Angeles had four rookies on the line, Burke, Spomer, Slaughter and Taylor, alongside veteran Cole Strange, with no backups available. Harbaugh praised the group’s work.
Rashawn Slater’s Role And Contract
Slater is in the first year of a four-year, $114 million deal signed in July 2025 that included $92 million guaranteed. The offensive line was already thin: left guard Kayode Awosika was sidelined with a hamstring injury and center Tyler Biadasz was ruled out for the season after a knee injury in training camp.
What’s Next
Los Angeles plays Denver next Sunday. The injury report due Wednesday after practice will provide the first official update on Slater, Alt and Penning.
Reporting from ESPN and Ocregister contributed to this story.
