To say the Chargers were desperate for help on their bruised, bloodied and bandaged offensive line was an understatement. So, they acquired tackle Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints before the NFL’s trade deadline Tuesday afternoon, the Chargers announced.
The Chargers lost left tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending knee injury during training back in August. Joe Alt, Slater’s replacement after moving from right tackle, suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s victory over the Tennessee Titans that will require season-ending surgery.
In addition, right guard Mekhi Becton and replacement right tackle Trey Pipkins III have been sidelined by injuries at various points during the season. Plus, Bobby Hart, a right tackle, exited the Chargers’ 27-20 victory over the Titans in the first quarter because of groin and ankle injuries.
Penning could step into a starting role as early as the Chargers’ game Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium. He has played six games this season, starting all six, for the Saints, including their 34-10 loss to the Rams on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
New Orleans picked Penning in the first round (19th overall) from the University of Northern Iowa in the 2022 draft. He has played a full season only twice, most recently in 2024 when he started all 17 games for the Saints. The Chargers reportedly sent the Saints a sixth-round pick in the 2027 draft.
Penning, 26, is listed at 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds. He was sidelined earlier this season by toe and ankle injuries, but he’s been healthy for the past five games.
The deal for Penning wasn’t the only one the Chargers made before the deadline. They also swapped defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor for the New York Jets’ seventh-round pick in the 2028 draft. The selection is conditional, according to the Chargers’ news release.
In other news, the Chargers announced long snapper Rick Lovato has retired, clearing the way for long snapper Josh Harris’ activation from injured reserve. Harris was injured during training camp and was sidelined for the season’s first nine games because of a chest ailment.
More to come on this story.