Jim Harbaugh confirms suspicion on Chargers’ plan for offensive line following Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury
The Chargers must now replace Rashawn Slater along their OL. What’s their plan?
The Los Angeles Chargers received some of the worst news imaginable this week when they lost star offensive tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending injury. The recently-extended lineman went down in practice and had to be carted off the field.
Now, the Bolts must adjust on offense. In order to run the ball effectively and protect quarterback Justin Herbert, their OL must find consistency early and often this season. The preseason will give them limited reps to do so. Regardless, they’ve already made one notable change when it comes to their offensive tackles.
Joe Alt will move to left tackle
According to head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers will swap RT Joe Alt to LT. Meanwhile, Trey Pipkins will move over to RT. That flip is one that will take some time to transition for Los Angeles.
Alt was fantastic as a rookie a season ago. That being said, this will be a bit of a learning curve simply due to his experience recently on the right side. Not to mention, Pipkins now slots into a starting role ahead of the season, an unexpected role for both he and his teammates.
Harbaugh discussed the move for Alt and any potential additional OL moves the Chargers may make in the coming days. While he is confident in Alt, Pipkins, and co., he also understands that adding competition is now another necessity.
Los Angeles will work out some free agent offensive tackles this weekend, as they attempt to find a swing tackle. That was Pipkins’ role before Slater’s unfortunate injury.
The Chargers head coach also shared how “gutted” he was for Slater following the injury. He understands the work that the tackle has put in to get to where he is as a player.
We will see if more moves are made in the coming days regarding the OL for Los Angeles. Keep an eye out.
