The LA Chargers' offensive line depth has been challenged early on in the 2025 season. On Sunday against the New York Giants, the injury woes reached an even lower low with second-year tackle Joe Alt limping off the field with an injury.
Alt has started at left tackle in place of Rashawn Slater, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during training camp. Trey Pipkins, who is playing through an ankle injury, got the start at right tackle.
Austin Deculus came into the game at left tackle after Alt was helped off the field. He walked off the field under his own power with a noticeable limp. He was seen trying to move around on the sideline while the Chargers eventually punted the drive away.
Chargers lose Joe Alt to injury: Live updates
Update: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Alt is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, although the team is yet to confirm.
The grade of the sprain will determine how long Alt misses time. A grade 1 sprain can usually resolve itself within two weeks. However, a grade 2 strain can take 4-6 weeks.
Update: After missing the entire first half, Alt was officially ruled OUT heading into the second half. More concerningly, Alt was seen in a walking boot on the sideline coming out of half.
Update: Despite being ruled as questionable to return, Alt was carted to the sideline after walking off the field under his own power.
Update: The Chargers officially called it an ankle injury for Alt, and said ruled him as questionable to return. If Alt cannot return, Delucus will likely play all the snaps at left tackle with Pipkins at right tackle.
This would bring the Chargers down to three backup offensive linemen protecting Justin Herbert. Starting right guard Mekhi Becton was ruled out of Sunday's game with a concussion.