Chiefs might catch huge break in Week 1 after brutal Chargers update

The Kansas City Chiefs have enough problems when it comes to stopping the strong arm of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert before dynamic left tackle Rashawn Slater enters the equation. Slater planned on trying to sharpen himself against Kansas City in a Week 1 matchup.

The unfortunate whims of the injury gods may bring an end to any of those thoughts. Slater suffered an injury at practice that was so severe that he was carted off the field. Slater slammed his helmet down in frustration, and Chargers teammates went over to console the high-end pass blocker.

While it remains unknown just how severe this injury actually is, the doom and gloom surrounding Chargers practice after this injury makes it seem as though Slater is not going to be healthy enough for Week 1. The Chiefs may have no choice but to capitalize on this bit of bad news.

Chiefs may not face Chargers LT Rashawn Slater in Week 1

Slater, who recently signed a four-year, $113 million contract extension, was named a Pro Bowler for the second time in four seasons. Slater was graded as Pro Football Focus' second-best tackle in the league, suggesting that he could have been an All-Pro performer last year.

The top candidate to replace Slater if he misses major time would be Trey Pipkins, who has bounced all around the line with extremely mixed results. Right guard Mekhi Becton has past left tackle experience, but he was arguably the worst LT in the league during his 2023 season with the Jets. Standout right tackle Joe Alt may shift over, while Pipkins goes to right tackle.

Kansas City's new-look defensive line, which lost Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi in free agency, should have a much easier time getting to Herbert without his top protector in the picture. George Karlaftis and third-round rookie Ashton Gillotte have the skills needed to beat Pipkins with regularity.

No fan wants to see someone that good suffer a crippling injury that can change the course of an entire season. However, the Chargers must press on, and the Chiefs should be able to take advantage of a team that is reeling from the loss of one of the best players in the league.