Joe Alt Is Expected to Miss Sunday and The Chargers’ Offensive Line Is On Life Support

Chargers right tackle Joe Alt is not expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Broncos after missing Wednesday’s practice. This is a massive blow for the Bolts, coming after Alt injured his neck late in the first half of their last outing, with Travis Burke stepping in to replace him. While there are no plans to put Alt on injured reserve, his absence just piles onto an already alarming injury report for the Chargers.

The O-Line Is a Warzone Right Now

Look, it’s not just Alt. This offensive line is facing a full-blown crisis, and the season is already in full swing. Alt wasn’t the only crucial lineman to sit out Wednesday’s practice. Left tackle Rashawn Slater, nursing an ankle injury, also didn’t practice. Then you have offensive lineman Trevor Penning, who’s dealing with a concussion, also on the sidelines. Left guard Kayode Awosika is out with a fibula injury. We’re talking about multiple starters, or at least key rotational pieces, all missing practice. How are you supposed to protect your quarterback or establish any run game when your trenches are this depleted? It’s a huge problem.

More Key Names Hitting the Sidelines

The injury bug isn’t just targeting the offensive line, either. The Chargers’ defense is taking some hits too. Star safety Derwin James missed practice with a hamstring issue, as did cornerback Donte Jackson, also with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey sat out with a foot problem. Even outside linebacker Khalil Mack was listed as “rest” which, while not an injury, means another key starter wasn’t practicing with the squad. That’s a total of eight players not practicing, including Alt. On top of that, ten more players were limited in practice, including cornerback Cam Hart (knee), wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest), quarterback Trey Lance (groin), and defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring). This is a team struggling with depth and health across the board.

It’s clear the Chargers are limping into Sunday’s matchup against the Broncos. With so many key players either out or limited, especially along the offensive line, it’s going to be a huge challenge for them to perform at their best. Every snap feels high-stakes when your roster is this banged up.

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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.