NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

Insider Reveals Chargers Joe Alt Injury Diagnosis

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 5:19 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a significant setback to their offensive line in Week 4 as left tackle Joe Alt exited the game against the New York Giants with a serious injury. The incident occurred in the first quarter following a scramble by quarterback Justin Herbert, with Alt visibly in pain as he left the field.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the initial diagnosis is a high ankle sprain, and Alt has been ruled out for the contest. Shortly after halftime, it was reported that Alt was on the sideline in street clothes, wearing a walking boot. Austin Deculus stepped in to replace him. The injury is especially concerning as the Chargers are already thin up front following the season-ending loss of Rashawn Slater.

Challenging Matchup Against Brian Burns

Insider Reveals Chargers Joe Alt Injury Diagnosis 1 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Alt had been tasked with a critical assignment against Giants edge rusher Brian Burns, who has made an immediate impact in New York. Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler, has recorded at least one sack in each of the first three games and is considered one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

Matt Citak of Giants.com highlighted the stakes: “This is the ultimate what-if matchup for the Giants…what if Alt dominates and stings the Giants with another reminder about what might’ve been if they’d selected the natural blindside protector?”

Alt had been exceptional through the early season, allowing pressure on just 6.3 percent of his pass-blocking snaps, the fourth-lowest rate among left tackles with 50 or more attempts. The matchup against Burns was expected to be a defining test for the young tackle, but his early exit now leaves Los Angeles navigating a critical game without its premier blindside protector.

Outlook

The Chargers will closely monitor Alt in the coming weeks, as a high ankle sprain can carry a prolonged recovery timeline. In the meantime, Austin Deculus will be asked to step up, while the coaching staff works to adjust protection schemes to shield quarterback Justin Herbert. The injury underscores ongoing concerns along the Chargers’ offensive line and will be a pivotal factor in maintaining the team’s offensive effectiveness.

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

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