Chargers LT Rashawn Slater carted off field in training camp

Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury during Thursday's practice, per The Athletic's Daniel Popper.

It is unclear what the severity of the injury is, but if serious, it's a major blow for the Chargers, with the season opener a month away.

Slater recently signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension, which includes $92 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. 

Offensive line play is monumental to any team's success, but especially for the Chargers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh values winning the line-of-scrimmage battle on both sides of the ball. 

When many draft experts called for Los Angeles to take Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers with the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harbaugh and the Chargers' front office selected offensive tackle Joe Alt.

The decision cemented Los Angeles with one of the best offensive tackle tandems in the league. Despite having stellar play from both tackle positions, Justin Herbert was sacked 40 times in 2024. That stat is more closely tied to the interior of the offensive line, which is expected to be a question mark heading into the 2025 season.

If Slater suffered a significant injury that would prevent him from playing for a prolonged period, how would the Chargers fill the void at left tackle?

The obvious answer to this hypothetical situation is to slide Alt over to the left side of the line. The Notre Dame product started 13 games at left tackle during his collegiate career. The transition at the NFL level may not be as smooth initially. However, the fact that Alt has experience in that department provides hope for the Chargers that the protection will not deteriorate dramatically.

Nevertheless, Slater's long-term absence could derail Los Angeles's 2025 season and prevent them from reaching the playoffs in a strong AFC West.