Chargers GM Provides Positive Update on Injured Tackle Duo

Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are ahead of schedule in their recoveries, giving the Chargers hope for improved offensive line play in 2026.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:13am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, powder blue, and gold conveying the intensity and complexity of offensive line play.The Chargers' offensive line struggles in 2025 exposed vulnerabilities that the team hopes to address with the return of its star tackles.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line was decimated by injuries last season, as both starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt suffered major injuries. Slater ruptured his left patellar tendon, while Alt suffered a season-ending ankle injury. This left quarterback Justin Herbert under constant pressure, as he was sacked 54 times - the third-most in the NFL. However, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz has provided a positive update, stating that the two tackles are ahead of schedule in their recoveries and the team feels confident having them back on the field.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offensive line struggles were a major factor in their disappointing 2025 season, as the lack of protection for star QB Justin Herbert severely limited the team's offensive potential. Getting Slater and Alt back healthy and on the field will be crucial for the Chargers to bounce back and compete in the AFC West in 2026.

The details

Slater suffered a ruptured left patellar tendon, while Alt went down with a season-ending ankle injury in Week 9. Their absences left the Chargers without any star bookend tackles, forcing them to shuffle the offensive line and leading to Herbert being sacked 54 times - the third-highest total in the league. Hortiz stated that the team feels confident having the two tackles back, as they are ahead of schedule in their recoveries.

  • Rashawn Slater suffered a ruptured left patellar tendon in the 2025 season.
  • Joe Alt suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 9 of the 2025 season.
  • The Chargers are hoping to have both Slater and Alt back on the field for the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Joe Hortiz

The general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Rashawn Slater

The Chargers' starting left tackle who suffered a ruptured left patellar tendon in 2025.

Joe Alt

The Chargers' starting right tackle who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2025.

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' star quarterback who was sacked 54 times in 2025 due to the offensive line injuries.

Mike McDaniel

The Chargers' head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Whenever I look out there and see those two out there, I feel confident.”

— Joe Hortiz, General Manager, Los Angeles Chargers

What’s next

The Chargers will likely take a cautious approach with Slater and Alt's recoveries, easing them back into action during the offseason to ensure they are fully healthy and ready for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The return of Slater and Alt to the Chargers' offensive line is a critical development for the team as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. Their presence will be key to providing better protection for star quarterback Justin Herbert and unlocking the full potential of the Chargers' offense.