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Key Chargers starter questionable hours before opener vs. Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers guard Mekhi Becton. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Key Chargers starter questionable hours before opener vs. Chiefs in Brazil

The Los Angeles Chargers' offense received some worrying news ahead of their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday night.

Per the Chargers, offensive guard Mekhi Becton was added to the injury report on Friday due to an illness.

Becton is the only player in doubt for Los Angeles in the season opener. 

Running back Najee Harris has no designated status after practicing this week with an eye injury. Cornerback Elijah Molden returned to practice Wednesday as a full participant while dealing with a knee issue.

The Los Angeles Chargers OL is suspect 

Becton is key to the Chargers' offensive line this season. The 2020 first-round pick signed a two-year deal worth $20 million with Los Angeles in the offseason after winning Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles in February.

Los Angeles' offensive line was already dealt a severe blow in training camp when they lost All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season due to a tear to his patellar tendon he suffered on Aug. 7. 

If Becton is unable to play, the Chargers could turn to 2022 sixth-round pick Jamaree Salyer. The fourth-year offensive lineman has appeared in 51 games and started in 35.

Los Angeles' offensive line has had issues protecting quarterback Justin Herbert in recent seasons, giving up 43 sacks in 2023 and 44 in 2024. The Chargers need Becton healthy and on the field to keep Herbert relaxed in the pocket.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014

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