To say losing tackle Joe Alt is a huge loss is an understatement for the Los Angeles Chargers. After suffering an ankle injury during the first quarter against the New York Giants, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Alt’s X-Ray tests came back negative. “The initial diagnosis was a high-ankle sprain, but he’ll have an MRI to confirm,” Rapoport wrote on X.
Alt had to be helped off the field and was carted back to the locker room. After losing star left tackle Rashawn Slater due to a season-ending knee injury during the offseason, Alt was moved from right to left tackle.
The Chargers also suffered another key injury on the offensive line, with right guard Mekhi Becton leaving the game with a concussion. Now, the Chargers are in trouble up front.
Chargers’ Tackle Joe Alt Suffers Injury
The Chargers can’t afford to lose another starting offensive lineman, and it just happens to be the most important lineman on the team. The frustration on Alt’s face said it all as he had to be carted off to the locker room. He knows how important he is to the team, and it’s a brutal blow to a Chargers team that desperately needs him on the field.
Alt has flawlessly played both tackle spots for the Bolts, and it already looks like a different team without him on the field. The good news is Alt likely isn’t out for the season, and the hope is he can return as soon as possible.
When Slater went down for the year, head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his confidence in the rest of the team to step up, and the same now applies with Alt out.
“I know my team. I know they’re gonna step up,” Harbaugh said. “It would be embarrassing to tell them ‘next man up’ or that we all have to step up for [each other] even more when you have a great player that is lost for the season. I wouldn’t embarrass them without telling them that because I know they’re gonna do it.”
What This Means for the Chargers’ Offensive Line Moving Forward
Even if Alt isn’t out for a long period of time, there’s no denying the offensive line is in huge trouble. Down three starters, the team will have to rely on several backups in the meantime as they navigate through a crucial stretch of the season.
The next five games on the schedule include matchups against the Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans.
Without Alt in the equation, it’ll be interesting to see whether general manager Joe Hortiz looks elsewhere for reinforcements before the NFL trade deadline, or if the Chargers are confident the backups will help keep Justin Herbert upright.
In the meantime, the Chargers’ offensive line will consist of Austin Deculus (LT), Zion Johnson (LG), Bradley Bozeman (C), Jamaree Salyer (RG), and Trey Pipkins III (RT).
The hope is Alt can return soon, but all eyes will be on how the makeshift Chargers’ offensive line performs without him on the field.
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