In the brutal world of American football, injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence, and the Los Angeles Chargers are feeling the impact of that firsthand. While quarterback Justin Herbert battles a high-ankle sprain, rookie offensive tackle Joe Alt is the latest player to join the injury list.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Alt will be sidelined due to an MCL sprain he suffered during the Chargers’ recent defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alt, the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft from Notre Dame, has shown tremendous resilience by not missing a single offensive snap so far this season, despite the injury.
With both Alt and left tackle Rashawn Slater dealing with injuries, the Chargers will have a depleted offensive line heading into their Week 4 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Slater had to leave the game against the Steelers with a pectoral injury, adding to the team’s woes.
As for Herbert, the Chargers’ young star quarterback, his status remains uncertain as he continues to recover from his own injury. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has emphasized the importance of monitoring Herbert’s progress in the coming week to determine if he will be ready to lead the team against the Chiefs.
Fortunately, the Chargers have an early bye week in Week 5, which could provide much-needed rest and recovery time for Alt, Slater, and Herbert before they face the Denver Broncos in Week 6. It is crucial for the team to have all their key offensive players healthy and ready to go as they look to make a push in the competitive AFC West division.
As the Chargers navigate through these injury challenges, their resilience and depth will certainly be put to the test. The team’s ability to overcome adversity will be a key factor in determining their success in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress as they prepare for their upcoming matchups.