The bye week comes at a fortuitous time for the Chargers as the team gets to reset and think about certain decisions to bolster the squad for the back half of the season. Still, this also means a chance to readjust some things within the squad. What with several injuries to the offensive line, chances are the Chargers could enter Week 13 of the NFL season with some much needed changes up front.
Injuries Force the Chargers to Explore New Options Up Front
Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injuries have led the Chargers to seek help through the acquisitions of several players, one such player being former Saint Trevor Penning. However, in his first start, he mightily struggled, allowing five pressures and a sack. It wasn’t necessarily his best position, as the Chargers decided to utilize him as a left tackle instead of a left guard, but it was clear he wasn’t quite acclimated to the team.
Could Jamaree Salyer Be the Stabilizing Answer?
GettySalyer could be key solution to Chargers’ O-line woes
Therefore, as the Chargers rethink things during their bye period, a new name has arisen as a potential reinstallation into the starting lineup: Jamaree Salyer.
Salyer would be a familiar face for Chargers fans, as he formerly filled in for Slater at left tackle during his rookie season, and played several games over the past two years. Still, this season, his position has not been determined, as he has played snaps at both right guard and tackles. Some might say this is a panic move for the Chargers as Salyer hasn’t been much better than Penning. He has allowed 11 pressures, three sacks, and has committed three penalties in 2025 alone. However, as someone who has played in this system before, he has much more experience than Penning and in all reality, the Chargers may have no choice otherwise. At left tackle, they can play the aforementioned Penning, but he may need to get up to speed at the position and himself could be switched back to guard. They still have Austin Deculus, who they signed this offseason, but how reliable can he be? No matter what, the time is ticking for the Chargers to get their offensive line in check and Salyer might be the best bet.
In order for the Chargers to rejigger their line, they also need to focus on the fact that indecision over the O-line spots could lead to several position battles. If Salyer gets thrown into the mix, that means Penning will have to find a new home, with roles already filled at both guard spots with Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton respectively. While it’s the perfect opportunity for Penning to learn the system, he may be left high and dry if Harbaugh feels more comfortable utilizing Salyer and having Johnson and Becton be the two guards. After all, while Penning brings loads of experience, he hasn’t played in this system, and in his first start, he was exposed as a result. There is plenty reason why he was only picked up for a sixth round pick.
Chargers fans may not like where they are at with the O-line, but at least during the bye week, new options can be discovered.
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