The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a crushing blow in training camp when star left tackle Rashawn Slater went down with a season-ending torn patellar tendon. The two-time Pro Bowler, who just signed a record-breaking four-year, $114 million extension in late July, was carted off the practice field Thursday after a non-contact injury.
How the L.A. Chargers Can Replace Rashawn Slater in 2025
The team confirmed Slater will undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve, ending his 2025-26 season before it began. His injury leaves a massive hole in the Chargers’ offensive line, as he and rookie standout Joe Alt were projected to form one of the NFL’s premier tackle duos.
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) August 7, 2025
Fortunately for head coach Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles does have some in-house solutions and potential external options. Here are the three best replacements the Chargers could turn to after Slater’s devastating setback.
Chargers OT Rashawn Slater, who signed a four-year, $113 million extension last month and then was carted off the practice field today, suffered a season-ending ruptured patella tendon, pending further testing, per sources. pic.twitter.com/ALAOks9b8e
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2025
1) Shift the Offensive Line
The most likely move is already in motion. When Slater went down in practice, Alt shifted from right tackle to left tackle, a position he excelled at in college. The No. 5 overall pick out of Notre Dame started 33 games at left tackle in college and even filled in for Slater in Week 18 last season against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sliding Alt to the blindside allows the Chargers to keep their most talented tackle protecting Justin Herbert’s back, while inserting veteran Trey Pipkins III at right tackle.
Pipkins, a 2019 third-round pick, has nearly 3,000 career snaps at the position and signed a three-year extension in 2023. While this configuration may not match the original Alt-Slater pairing, it keeps the continuity within Harbaugh’s blocking scheme.
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. https://t.co/ccHNSKz4x6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2025
2) Sign a Veteran Free Agent
If the Chargers want more depth and competition, there are experienced free agents available. While none will replace Slater’s All-Pro level play, a player like Donovan Smith could provide valuable insurance and mentorship. Smith most recently started for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning team.
Adding a proven veteran could give Los Angeles flexibility in case of further injuries, especially given their offensive line’s struggles in the interior last season.
3) Trade for a Starting-Caliber Tackle
If the Chargers believe they’re in a “win-now” window with Herbert’s prime years in full swing, trading for a starting-caliber tackle could be worth exploring. Teams with surplus linemen, like the Philadelphia Eagles or New York Jets, might be open to a deal for draft capital.
While trades at this position can be costly, securing a dependable blindside protector could pay off in both the regular season and potential playoff matchups. Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense needs stability on the edges, and the Chargers can’t afford to let Herbert take unnecessary hits.
Losing Rashawn Slater is a devastating blow, but the Chargers aren’t without options. Moving Joe Alt to left tackle with Trey Pipkins III on the right side seems to be the immediate solution, but adding depth via free agency or a trade could further protect Justin Herbert.
With a strong replacement plan, Los Angeles can still compete in the AFC West, even without their highest-paid lineman.
