Rashawn Slater, a multiple-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers, will miss the entire 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season following a severe patellar tendon tear sustained during practice on Thursday. This injury came shortly after Slater signed a historic $114 million contract over four years, the highest annual average pay for an offensive lineman in NFL history.
During practice, Slater was assigned to block edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu but suddenly collapsed on the field as the play started. Medical staff immediately attended to him while teammates, including inside linebacker Denzel Perryman and safety Derwin James, were seen praying on the sidelines. Slater was eventually helped onto a cart and removed from the field.
Details of the Injury and Team Reaction
Slater’s injury echoes another serious setback from 2022, when he tore his biceps late in that season. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Chargers’ offensive line, which already faced challenges with other injured players. Guard Mekhi Becton has been sidelined since late July due to an undisclosed but reportedly minor injury, according to offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
After witnessing the injury, Tuli Tuipulotu expressed his distress to reporters:
“That’s just something you don’t want to see. Not only Rashawn, but any of our players.”
—Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge Rusher
Despite the somber mood, the Chargers experienced a positive moment during practice with the return of wide receiver Keenan Allen, who recently re-signed with the team on a one-year deal after playing the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears.
Adjustments and Possible Additions to the Offensive Line
With Slater sidelined for the year, the Chargers plan to shift starting right tackle Joe Alt to the left tackle position. Trey Pipkins, who previously started at right tackle, will fill Alt’s former spot, while Mekhi Becton is expected to return at right guard. The lineup will be rounded out by left guard Zion Johnson and center Bradley Bozeman.
This reshuffling, however, leaves the Chargers thin on swing tackles—backup linemen capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line. To address this, sports analyst Travis Wakeman of The Sporting News has suggested that the team pursue veteran tackle George Fant, last with the Seattle Seahawks. Wakeman noted:
“Now 33 years old, Fant is not a player you want to have to rely upon on a week-in, week-out basis, but he could still come in for spot duty. The Chargers will have an open spot on the roster after placing Slater on injured reserve and should use that spot on Fant as a backup for Pipkins.”
—Travis Wakeman, Sports Analyst
Upcoming Season Outlook and Implications
The Chargers face an uphill battle starting their season on September 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with kickoff scheduled at 5 PM PT and broadcast on YouTube. Slater’s Rashawn Slater season-ending injury significantly affects the team’s offensive line stability, pushing the coaching staff to adjust strategies and potentially seek experienced reinforcements to maintain competitiveness throughout the season.