EL SEGUNDO — The Chargers ruled out tackle Bobby Hart for their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium, which means another makeshift offensive line. Hart sustained what the team initially said was a groin injury, then groin and ankle injuries before settling on knee and ankle injuries.
The Charges’ top offensive tackles – their best linemen, by far – Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are sidelined for the rest of the season because of serious injuries. Slater injured his knee in training camp in August and Alt hurt his ankle during a 27-20 victory last Sunday over the Tennessee Titans.
So, what might the offensive line look like when the Chargers (6-3) take the field to face the Steelers (5-3)? Will newly acquired guard/tackle Trevor Penning start Sunday, after only three days of practice after he was traded from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday?
All will be revealed soon enough.
Coach Jim Harbaugh was noncommittal Friday when it came to answering the second question first. Harbaugh said Penning adapted well to his new surroundings while most of his reps came while playing tackle, although he did play some at guard. It seemed likely that’s where Penning might play.
“Had a good week,” Harbaugh said.
As to the makeup of the offensive line, it might look something like this: Austin Deculus at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Mekhi Becton at right guard and Trey Pipkins III at right tackle. Penning could be a swing tackle with Jamaree Salyer also available.
Why start Deculus over Salyer?
“Like both players,” Harbaugh said.
Penning played left and right tackle during his first three seasons in the NFL, but the Saints then shifted him to left guard this season. He sat out with a toe injury to start the season, but played the past six games without issues, and he said he was looking forward to whatever role the Chargers gave him.
“Last season, I played all 17 games at right tackle, so I’m probably a little more comfortable there versus left tackle,” Penning said. “But I’ve played left guard this year, so we’ll see. It (Wednesday’s practice) was my first day out here trying tackle again, so I’ll keep progressing and keep working.”
Replacing either Slater or Alt would be a tough ask under any circumstances. Slater was a Pro Bowl selection twice during his four seasons in the NFL and Alt was considered one of the rising stars at his position in only his second season in the league. Slater and Alt were both first-round selections.
“I would love to (play Sunday), but there’s a lot of work to do to be able to get to that point,” Penning said earlier in the week.
HAMPTON UPDATE
Running back Omarion Hampton will be sidelined for a fifth game Sunday because of an ankle injury suffered in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. He has been working out on the sidelines this week under the watchful gaze of members of the Chargers’ athletic training staff.
In fact, Hampton isn’t expected to be activated until after the Chargers’ bye in Week 12, according to Harbaugh. Hampton and Hassan Haskins (hamstring) are on injured reserve and Najee Harris (Achilles tendon) is out for the rest of the season, leaving Kimani Vidal as the No. 1 back.
“Progressing really well,” Harbaugh said of Hampton’s status. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but he’s progressing really well.”
HARRIS RETURNS
Long snapper Josh Harris is expected to be reunited with punter/holder JK Scott and kicker Cameron Dicker after spending the first nine games of the season on injured reserve because of a chest injury suffered during training camp in August. Long snapper Rick Lovato retired earlier this week.