Throughout the past few weeks, the Chargers‘ main struggle has kept up coming to the fore: their lack of solidity along the offensive line. In fact, before their next game has even taken place, PFF has awarded them with the title of single worst offensive line in the NFL. Still, one can’t blame the players who are playing, but injuries as well.
Some of the Chargers’ main issues stemmed from the loss of their two starting tackles to season-ending injuries. Rashawn Slater went down with a patellar tendon injury, and Joe Alt suffered a right ankle injury that initially didn’t appear to be too severe, but ultimately cost him the season. This has resulted in a conglomeration of O-line combinations with several players such as Trey Pipkins, Austin Deculus(an offseason addition), and Bobby Hart having to wear multiple hats for a moribund O-line. even the midseason signing of Trevor Penning looks to be a bust, with him struggling badly against the Jaguars in his first game. However, what with the ineptitude that several players have had at the tackle positions, Jim Harbaugh could finally be making a move that will please Chargers fans.
After Penning’s horror show, Harbaugh announced that Jamaree Salyer would be reinstalled into the starting lineup at left tackle, a place that seems af if it’s the most integral to the Chargers’ playoff hopes. The reason that Chargers fans are loving this move, is that Salyer has probably been the most underrated offensive linemen not just this season, but for the start of his career.
Remember, Salyer had to step in for Slater in his rookie campaign, as Slater went down with a bicep injury in Week 3 in 2022. During his time filling in, he had respectable PFF grades, earning a 69.8 overall and 76.4 pass-blocking grade. The past couple of years though have seen him move around at the different guard spots, as Slater and Alt hold down both tackle positions when healthy and since there’s heavy rotation along the line, Salyer doesn’t get as many chances there as he used to. Still, the fact there has been no apt replacement for Slater this season has allowed Salyer a chance to make the role his own in a critical stretch for the Chargers.
The Chargers are coming off of a bye that sees them face one of the tougher down the stretch schedules of any team in the NFL. They face all three of their AFC West foes with potential playoff positioning at stake. Sandwiched in between are tough games against the Eagles, Cowboys, and Texans. While they hold their destiny in the AFC West with a perfect record thus far, they can’t afford any slip ups otherwise. Therefore, the installment of Salyer at the very least gives them a player they can trust over that tough stretch what with his experience. From there, they just have to hope for a fresh bill of health as well.
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