Injured Chargers Offensive Tackles Resume Practice Ahead of Broncos Clash

Offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater of the Los Angeles Chargers both returned to practice on Wednesday as the team prepares for their Week 6 AFC West game against the Denver Broncos. This return marks a crucial step in their recovery process and is significant for the Chargers’ offensive strategy. Alt, a rookie who was the fifth overall pick in the draft, had started his professional career strongly before suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in Week 3 during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was absent for the subsequent game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rashawn Slater, an elite talent and key protector of quarterback Justin Herbert, sustained a pectoral injury in the same game against the Steelers. His absence was felt as he also missed the crucial divisional game against the Chiefs. If either Alt or Slater fails to play against the Broncos, the Chargers will need to rely on less established players such as Jamaree Salyer to step into their roles, potentially complicating their offensive strategies.

The Chargers have found it challenging to establish a cohesive offensive identity under head coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman. Injuries to their starting offensive line have been partly to blame for this struggle, especially as Harbaugh has emphasized a strategy focused on the running game.

The Chargers’ injury report has been extensive, with seven players listed as non-participants in the latest practice, including Joey Bosa, who is dealing with a hip injury, and Derwin James, who was exempt for non-injury related reasons. Several players are also reported to be limited participants, indicating lingering issues that may affect their performance in the upcoming game.

As the Chargers took advantage to rest and recoup during their bye week, the hope within the organization is that returning key starters like Alt and Slater will enhance their offensive line’s stability and enable the team to perform more consistently on the ground and in protecting their quarterback.