The Los Angeles Chargers faced a major setback when star left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon during training camp practice on August 7, 2025. This injury came shortly after Slater signed a record four-year, $114 million contract extension, making his absence a significant blow to the team’s offensive line and their 2025 campaign.
Slater’s injury forces the Chargers to reassess their offensive front immediately, as he was expected to anchor one of the league’s most promising tackle duos alongside rookie <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/joe-alt/”>Joe Alt. The Chargers have now confirmed that Slater will undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season.
“Rashawn Slater sustained a torn patellar tendon in today’s practice and will undergo surgery to repair the injury. He will miss the 2025 season and be placed on Injured Reserve.” — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers)
Options for Filling the Void Left by Slater’s Absence in 2025
With Slater out, head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers’ management are exploring several strategies to maintain stability on the offensive line and protect quarterback Justin Herbert. Despite the severity of the injury, Los Angeles has some potential in-house solutions, along with possible veteran acquisitions to shore up the position. Three key replacement approaches have emerged as the most viable for navigating this challenge.
1) Reorganize the Offensive Line by Shifting Joe Alt to Left Tackle
The most immediate and probable response involves adjusting the existing offensive line personnel. After Slater’s injury, rookie Joe Alt, originally the right tackle, moved to left tackle—his natural position from college at Notre Dame, where he started 33 games. Alt also filled in for Slater late in the previous season, showing promise at protecting the blindside quarterback.
This move allows the Chargers to keep their most talented tackle in the critical defensive blindside spot, while veteran Trey Pipkins III transitions to the right tackle position. Pipkins brings valuable experience, having played nearly 3,000 snaps since being drafted in 2019 and recently signing a three-year contract extension.
“With Rashawn Slater rupturing his patella tendon, the Chargers are likely to now turn to their veteran swing tackle Trey Pipkins III to fill in. Pipkins has started for the team before, and now looks like he will have to do it again.” — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
This internal adjustment preserves much of the Chargers’ blocking scheme continuity and leverages the knowledge of seasoned players. Though it may not completely replicate the original Slater-Alt partnership, it provides a practical and swift solution to a difficult problem.
2) Acquire a Veteran Free Agent to Add Depth and Stability
Another path the Chargers can pursue is signing an experienced free agent tackle. While no available veteran can fully replace Slater’s elite quality, players like Donovan Smith offer valuable depth and leadership. Smith has a recent pedigree as a starter on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning roster, providing insurance should further injuries occur.
Bringing in a player like Smith would provide the Chargers with a reliable option who can also mentor younger linemen, a crucial factor for a team aiming to protect Herbert’s blindside long-term. This addition would help soothe concerns stemming from previous interior line struggles and rounds out the Chargers’ options.
3) Explore Trades for a Starting-Quality Offensive Tackle
If the Chargers remain focused on immediate success during Justin Herbert’s prime years, they may consider trading for a proven starting tackle. Teams with surplus linemen, such as the Philadelphia Eagles or New York Jets, might be open to deals in exchange for draft capital.
Though acquiring a veteran via trade can be expensive, securing a dependable left tackle could prove critical for a run-heavy offense that relies heavily on edge protection to keep Herbert upright. Maintaining offensive line stability is essential for both regular season performance and playoff aspirations.
Next Steps for the Chargers’ Offensive Line Strategy
The loss of Rashawn Slater presents a formidable challenge for the 2025 Los Angeles Chargers, threatening the strength of their offensive front and protection schemes. Yet, with Joe Alt ready to shift back to left tackle and Trey Pipkins III stepping up at right tackle, the team appears to have a short-term plan in place.
Supplementing this strategy with targeted free agent signings or a trade could further reinforce the line and provide much-needed flexibility. Immediate action is key, given the importance of shielding Herbert and maintaining competitiveness in the AFC West.
Ultimately, the Chargers’ ability to adapt following Slater’s injury will significantly shape their offensive effectiveness and playoff chances this season, making this a critical juncture for Jim Harbaugh and the organization.