EL SEGUNDO — Coach Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday all but ruled out left tackle Joe Alt for the Chargers’ game Sunday against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium. Testing on Monday revealed Alt sustained a sprained right ankle in a loss Sunday to the New York Giants.
Harbaugh didn’t reveal the severity of the sprain or how long Alt might be sidelined. He did say of Alt’s availability to play against the Commanders, “likely not going to play this week and then we’ll take it day-by-day. Doubtful for this week and we’ll see about next week.”
Asked if Alt could be headed for injured reserve for a minimum of a four-game stay, Harbaugh said, “I don’t know that.” Recovery time for sprained ankles varies widely depending on the degree of the sprain, from one to three weeks for Grade 1 up to several months for Grade 3.
Alt’s absence for as long as he remains sidelined creates problems for the Chargers’ offensive line. Alt flipped to left tackle from right tackle after Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp. Trey Pipkins III then went from a backup’s role to fill Alt’s spot.
Right guard Mekhi Becton sustained a concussion during the first half of the Chargers’ victory Sept. 21 over the Denver Broncos and was unable to play in their loss Sunday to the Giants. Jamaree Salyer replaced Becton and Austin Deculus replaced Alt after he was injured Sunday.
Alt was hurt while blocking on what was intended to be a pass play in the first quarter. Unable to find an open target, quarterback Justin Herbert scrambled 24 yards for a first down. Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux fell on Alt’s leg as Herbert sprinted from the pocket.
With three of their expected starters sidelined against the Giants, the Chargers’ patchwork offensive line had difficulty keeping New York’s front seven from pressuring Herbert. The Giants sacked Herbert only twice but hit him 12 times, after the Broncos sacked him five times one week earlier.
More to come on this story.