Although the Los Angeles Chargers pulled away with a 27-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, it was decidedly an ugly one, both in terms of injuries and the actual play of the team.
Yet, the most devastating development might be the emerging injury status of star left tackle Joe Alt, who left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury, and, now, the team may need to make a desperation move as the trade deadline rapidly approaches in order to revive their playoff hopes.
Needless to say, this team cannot operate with the level of offensive line play they have been given so far, and, thus, a move for Evan Neal of the New York Giants could be their most obvious move.
The Chargers might need to pull a last-minute move in order to resurrect their offensive line
The injury struggles that Los Angeles has faced this season do not need much explanation. Alt, Mekhi Becton and Trey Pipkins III have all missed time, and their star lineman, Rashawn Slater, will not play a singular snap this season.
Yet, the injuries that Alt and veteran tackle Cam Hart suffered against the Titans were especially devastating. Now, as the Chargers head into their most important stretch of the season, with three distinctly winnable games lying ahead, they will be down both of their starting tackles, giving Justin Herbert even less room to operate than he has had to this point.
While a trade for an offensive lineman, and especially one with experience playing tackle, could be their best course of action, options across the league are limited.
Therefore, Neal, who has been a healthy scratch in all eight of Giants' games so far after his struggles forced him to move away from the tackle position, might be their best, and cheapest option.
New York selected Neal in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the seventh overall pick, but, despite his 6'7", 340 lb frame, he has struggled mightily to stay consistent in his protection duties. Veteran Greg Van Roten has been taking snas in his place.
Therefore, while Neal has had his struggles, he could provide somewhat of an upside for a team whose offensive line has hit rock bottom, and he could certainly be available for cheap.
The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 P.M Eastern Time, and, if Alt is out again for an extended stretch, expect the Chargers to be active on the market in search of a piece that can help salvage their offense's outlook this season.