The Los Angeles Chargers have been hit very hard by injuries this season, but lately, they have been getting healthier.
They have recently welcomed back wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen and pass rusher Joey Bosa, and soon, they could see the return of another key player.
Left tackle Rashawn Slater , who ruptured a bicep tendon in Week 3 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been designated to return from the injured reserve, which will open up a 21-day practice window for him.
He won’t play on Saturday in the team’s wild-card playoff game, which will also be against the Jaguars, but the fact that he’s nearing a return can give the team some extra incentive to win that contest.
As a rookie last season, Slater finished fourth in the Offensive Rookie of the Year balloting and made the Pro Bowl as well as the All-Pro second team.
Once he returns, assuming the Chargers make it past the wild-card round, he will give quarterback Justin Herbert considerably more pass protection.
Herbert has been sacked 38 times this season, which is tied for the seventh-worst mark in the NFL, and Slater’s ability to keep pass rushers on his blind side at bay will help give him more time to go through his progressions.
Meanwhile, Williams is dealing with a back contusion he sustained in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos, although the injury isn’t thought to be too serious.
Assuming the Chargers are close enough to full strength on Saturday, they can have a real shot at knocking off Trevor Lawrence and company.
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