Joe Alt left last week's Giants game with an ankle injury after playing just 10 snaps. He was seen leaving the game in a walking boot, fueling speculation it could be a lengthier injury timeline. Alt did not practice this week and was ruled out from Sunday's game vs. Washington. HC Jim Harbaugh said Alt was "doubtful" to play in Sunday's game before the week's first practice even took place on Wednesday.
However, it seems like the Chargers could get a positive result for Alt's timeline considering how severe the injury initially looked. The Chargers only elevated RB Kimani Vidal and EDGE Clelin Ferrell in Saturday's pregame Commanders Week 5 moves. Traditionally, the Chargers have used the Saturday before a Sunday game to place players on designated for return IR. There was no such transaction with Alt this week.
The Chargers catch a break with LT Joe Alt seemingly avoiding IR.
If Alt was placed on IR this week, he would've had to miss the team's next four games. That would've put him on pace to miss a month with his earliest possible return date being the Titans game in Week 9. While the Notre Dame product's return might not be imminent as in next week, the Chargers not placing him on injured reserve is a sign that he could beat the mandatory missed four games timeline of IR.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Alt wanted to go back into Sunday's game on Giants before the team told him no. Perhaps that was a very positive initial sign even if he will miss this week's game. Alt's initial x-rays were negative prior to getting further testing throughout the week, indicating that he likely avoided a fracture or dislocation.
The Chargers still have a decision to make about who starts this week at left tackle vs. the Commanders without Alt. But it's possible his absence might not last much longer than that.