Chargers’ offensive line nightmare worsens with brutal Mekhi Becton twist

The Los Angeles Chargers offensive front is already a serious work-in-progress given talent concerns coming into the season and a massive injury hit in training camp. Now they're facing further concerns with the news that starting guard Mekhi Becton is questionable to play in Week 1.

The Chargers are "hosting" the Kansas City Chiefs in an international showing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the season-opening contest for both teams. It's a pivotal AFC West rivalry game to start the year, and it's a great opportunity for Jim Harbaugh to make a statement at the start of his second season in L.A.

That job just got a bit harder, potentially at least, with the news that Becton is dealing with an illness and is on the fence about playing.

The Chargers offensive line is in bad shape heading into Week 1.

The Chargers are already trying their best to formulate a respectable starting five in front of Justin Herbert after losing left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season. A random non-contact injury suffered in practice in early August saw Slater tear his Achilles, which forced Harbaugh to shift right tackle Joe Alt to the left side.

Fortunately for L.A., they're one of the rare teams to feature two excellent tackles, so the blindside protector role is still in good hands. However, it also forced Trey Pipkins back into the starting lineup. Beyond that, the Chargers were already mired in mediocrity with Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman as interior starters.

Becton joined the team as a free-agent upgrade who found new life inside at guard with the Philadelphia Eagles last season in a championship season. It was a successful shift after a lackluster start to his career—and being labeled as a draft bust—as a tackle with the New York Jets.

The Chargers added Becton to a two-year deal in free agency worth up to $20 million. While he should be a long-term upgrade at the position, if he's unable to go on Friday night against the Chiefs, L.A. could turn to Jamaree Salyer, a sixth-round choice one year ago, in his place. Andre James could also slide in at center and move Bozeman to the right.

Either way, the Chiefs were already looking deeper than they've been in years on the defensive front. Chris Jones is the obvious anchor, but George Karlaftis enjoyed a late-season surge and should be primed for a true breakout effort. Charles Omenihu is also healthy to start a season for the first time in three years in K.C.