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Chargers Now Looking To Trade Market To Address Mounting Injuries

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 7:32 PM ET

It seems that the Los Angeles Chargers injuries have officially forced the teams hand; Khalil Mack (elbow) was placed on injured reserve in Week 2, Najee Harris (Achilles) was lost for the season in Week 3, and now rookie left tackle Joe Alt suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s 21-18 loss to the Giants.

Alt’s exit is particularly painful for a unit already stretched thin. The Chargers lost Pro Bowl tackle Rashawn Slater in training camp to a patellar tendon rupture, then shifted Alt from right to left tackle to stabilize the line. With Alt sidelined, Austin Deculus was pressed into action against one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive fronts. Guard Mekhi Becton also missed the game with a concussion, leaving quarterback Justin Herbert exposed behind a patchwork line.

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Chargers Now Looking To Trade Market To Address Mounting Injuries 1 Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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The rash of injuries is forcing general manager Joe Hortiz to re-examine roster priorities and has spurred on several Chargers trade rumors On defense, Mack’s absence leaves Bud Dupree, Tuli Tuipulotu, and rookies Caleb Murphy and Kyle Kennard to handle the edge rotation. Tuipulotu, who notched 8.5 sacks last year, has yet to record one in 2025 despite a heavy workload. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Los Angeles is exploring trade options at edge rusher, a move that feels more urgent with Mack’s return date uncertain.

On offense, Alt’s injury now complicates the picture. With two projected starters already gone and a rookie cornerstone hobbled, depth along the line is a glaring vulnerability. Protecting Herbert is non-negotiable if the Chargers are to sustain their early momentum.

Chargers Trade Rumors: Potential Trade Targets Emerge

Chargers Now Looking To Trade Market To Address Mounting Injuries 2 Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Among the names floated is Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has logged 1.5 sacks and 12 pressures through three weeks. ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested that New York’s 1-3 start could open the door for trade calls despite the team exercising Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option. “Given the Giants’ depth in the defensive front seven, they could certainly get calls on someone such as Thibodeaux if they’re falling out of contention,” Graziano noted.

The Chargers will get an immediate look at Thibodeaux in Week 4, a matchup that could double as a live audition. With over $11 million in cap space, the financial flexibility is there. Whether it’s shoring up Herbert’s protection or landing a dynamic edge rusher, LA’s next move may define its ability to turn a strong September into a Super Bowl run.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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