The Los Angeles Chargers’ worst fears were realized Thursday afternoon as tests confirmed that two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater has indeed suffered a season-ending leg injury. The team announced that Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon and will be missing the whole 2025 season.

Slater, widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL, was expected to anchor the left side of the Chargers’ line as quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside protector. The injury ends what was shaping up to be another Pro Bowl-caliber season and leaves a massive void on an offensive line already under scrutiny for inconsistent play in 2024.

While Slater is expected to make a full recovery for the start of the 2026 season, the Chargers now must navigate a season without their star blocker. 

What Options Do the Chargers Have at Left Tackle?

The job of an NFL pro scouting staff is always to be prepared for when injury strikes. I imagine the pro staff was already scouring through their emergency and veteran free agent lists, discussing who the team could bring in at tackle for newly needed depth. The staff is always prepared for situations like this, and I am sure they have a plan in place had one of their top tackles gone down like Slater did Thursday. Below are the team’s best options at left tackle moving forward. 

Move Joe Alt to Left Tackle

The most obvious move is also the most likely to happen. The Chargers wisely drafted Joe Alt with their first-round pick in 2024, and that move may just save their 2025 season. Alt was originally a left tackle coming out of Notre Dame, but since the Chargers already had Slater on the left side, Alt transitioned to right tackle, where he quickly excelled. He was one of the best tackles in the NFL as a rookie and has the looks of a future superstar. Switching Alt back to the left side should be a seamless transition for him and provide Herbert consistent blindside protection.

With Alt moving over to left tackle, the right tackle spot must be addressed. Luckily for the Chargers, they kept swing tackle Trey Pipkins III on the roster, and he has experience starting on the right side. Over the last four seasons, Pipkins III has made over 30 starts at right tackle for the Chargers and would give the team a steady veteran presence. 

Start Jamaree Salyer at Left Tackle

If the team did not want to move Joe Alt and attempt to keep as much continuity as possible, they could elect to start fourth-year offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer. Salyer was drafted in the sixth round back in the 2022 NFL Draft and was meant to be a depth piece along the Bolts’ offensive line. However, when Slater suffered a season-ending torn biceps injury in week three of the 2022 NFL season, Salyer stepped in and started 14 games for the team at left tackle. 

Salyer played extremely well at left tackle, filling in for Slater as a rookie, and that is arguably his most natural position. Ever since Salyer was moved inside to guard in the last two seasons, his play has dramatically declined. Keeping Alt at right tackle and allowing Salyer to play his best position on the left side could actually be the Chargers’ best option in terms of getting their two most talented tackles in the lineup. 

Sign or Trade for a Veteran

The last action the Chargers could take is to add a player through free agency or trade. Adding a veteran tackle would allow the Chargers to keep their continuity and other offensive line members in their usual spots. The issue with this option is that there isn’t a surplus of serviceable left tackles available in the summer. A name like George Fant could make sense, as he is available and has plenty of starting experience. Perhaps more tackles become available as teams begin to finalize their 53-man roster in a few weeks, but counting on a free agent tackle at this point in the game might be unrealistic for the Chargers. 

The loss of Slater is devastating. There is no getting around that. However, there are options for the Chargers to get through this season without him, and the team could still be a force in a competitive AFC.