Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed concern about his teamâs ability to protect Justin Herbert after the Pro Bowler was sacked twice and pressured 21 times in Week 4. And without left tackle Joe Alt, that job will likely only get more difficult.
Alt was slated to undergo testing Monday after hurting his ankle during Sundayâs 21-18 loss to the Giants. Harbaugh didnât provide specific details about the injury, which according to multiple reports is a high-ankle sprain.
âHeâs working through an ankle,â Harbaugh said, via Daniel Popper of The Athletic. âThatâs what I know.â
What is Joe Alt’s Injury?
Altâs injury appeared to occur during the first quarter Sunday. The 2024 first-rounder limped off the field under his own power but was later carted to the locker room.
After being evaluated, Alt reemerged after halftime wearing a protective boot on his lower right leg.
Upon replacing Alt, Austin Deculus struggled immensely. According to Next Gen Stats, Deculus allowed six pressures in his 37 pass-blocking attempts, the most of any Chargers offensive lineman.
Herbert completed 23 of 41 passes for a season-low 203 yards, one touchdown and a pair of interceptions. He has now been sacked 12 times through four games, tied for fifth-most in the NFL.
âHe has taken too many (hits),â Harbaugh said, via ESPN. âItâs very concerning. Weâve got to get better. We got to put him in a better position. Donât think heâs been in a good position.â
How Does Joe Alt’s Injury Affect the Chargers
Altâs injury leaves the Chargers (3-1) without both of their projected starting tackles. All-Pro Rashawn Slater tore the patellar tendon in August, less than two weeks after agreeing to a four-year extension that included $92 million guaranteed.
The situation up front only worsened after right guard Mekhi Becton was ruled out Sunday because of a concussion sustained in Week 3 against the Broncos.
The Chargers totaled 338 yards against the Giants but also committed 14 penalties for 107 yards, two turnovers and went just 4-of-12 on third down. Their 18 points scored were a season-low.
X-rays on Alt were negative. An MRI later confirmed a high-ankle sprain.
While Harbaugh did not provide a timeline for Altâs return, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the injury’s expected to sideline him for several weeks. Given the state of the Chargersâ offensive line, itâs a crushing blow.
The Chargers are home three of the next four weeks, starting Sunday against the Commanders.
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