The Chargers are staring down Sunday’s game against the Broncos without BOTH of their starting offensive tackles, a brutal blow that absolutely crushes their chances of grabbing that first win of the season. Left tackle Rashawn Slater is already headed to injured reserve after ankle surgery, and now right tackle Joe Alt is ruled out with a neck injury. If you thought last season was tough seeing them play without both guys, well, get ready for round two.
The O-Line Nightmare Just Got Worse
It’s bad enough when one starting tackle goes down, but when you lose both? That’s a whole different kind of problem. Slater’s gone for a while with that ankle, and now Alt’s neck issue sidelining him for Sunday just doubles the trouble for the Bolts. How do you protect Justin Herbert when your blind side and your right side are both compromised? This isn’t just a hit to the offensive line, it’s a gut punch to the entire offense. You can’t expect to establish anything against Denver if you can’t even get things going up front. They absolutely need to win for the first time this season, and this ain’t gonna make it any easier.
The Sidelines Are Packed, Trey Lance Doubtful
But wait, there’s more. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater aren’t the only ones missing in action. Star safety Derwin James is also ruled out, nursing a hamstring injury that keeps him off the field this weekend. And the injury report just keeps piling up! Wide receivers Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quad) are out. Offensive linemen Kayode Awosika (fibula) and Trevor Penning (concussion) can’t go either. Cornerback Donte Jackson is also benched with a hamstring issue. It’s like a M*A*S*H unit out there. Quarterback Trey Lance is even listed as doubtful with a groin injury, leaving DJ Uiagalelei as the other backup option for Justin Herbert against Denver.
On top of that, tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm), fullback Scott Matlock (foot), wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot), guard Branson Taylor (neck), and cornerback Rodney Shelley (hamstring) are all listed with injuries. This roster is getting thin, and it’s getting thin in critical spots. This team is already desperate for a win, and having this many players out or doubtful for Sunday is a massive hurdle. You gotta wonder how they’re going to put a competitive squad on the field. All eyes will be on them this Sunday to see if they can somehow pull out that elusive first victory of the season against the Broncos, despite everything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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