Los Angeles Chargers Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Steelers Showdown

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers head into Week 10 with a record of 6-3, but they are facing significant injury challenges. Standout tackle Joe Alt will undergo season-ending surgery following a high ankle sprain suffered last week. The Chargers are now without both Alt and Rashawn Slater, leaving the team in a tough spot.

In addition to their tackles, the Chargers have lost running back Najee Harris for the season. Rookie Omarion Hampton is also expected to miss several more weeks due to an ankle injury. With the NFL trade deadline behind them, the Chargers have added former first-round tackle Trevor Penning from New Orleans as a reinforcement.

The Chargers are set to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, a team known for its aggressive pass rush led by T.J. Watt. Former NFL coach Jon Gruden expressed doubts about the Chargers’ chances in this matchup, especially after Alt’s injury. “The Steelers are going to pepper Justin Herbert,” Gruden stated. “They have too many good rushers, and it’s going to be hard on Herbert the rest of the season without these two tackles.”

Despite the injuries, some believe Herbert can still find success even with a less stable offensive line. As Gruden noted, while it won’t be easy, having Herbert as the quarterback can provide the Chargers with a glimmer of hope.

Adding to their struggles, the Chargers will also be without rookie running back Hampton for the game against Pittsburgh and the following week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Hampton’s practice window may not open until after the team’s Week 12 bye, prioritizing his recovery to avoid further setbacks.

As the Chargers navigate this rough stretch, they remain determined to maintain the momentum of their strong start, hoping to rely on depth players to step up during this challenging time. If Hampton can return in Week 13, he may help solidify the backfield and offer some relief to the passing game as the season progresses.