Justin Herbert has been under siege this season. Not from doubters who don't agree with Tom Brady that he is the best pure passer in the league, but from opposing pass rushers who have feasted on a depleted LA Chargers offensive line.
The Chargers lost star left tackle Rashawn Slater to a torn Achilles tendon before the season. Then, in Week 3, the Bolts lost fellow star tackle Joe Alt, who was filling in at left tackle for Slater, to a high-ankle sprain. New signing Mekhi Becton missed a game and some change due to a concussion, and starting center Bradley Bozeman has picked up right where he left off with undeniable struggles.
Just when Chargers fans thought it couldn't get any worse... it got worse. Both Trey Pipkins and Jamaree Salyer logged DNPs on Thursday's injury report, raising serious concerns about either player playing on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Chargers' offensive line has somehow reached a new low
Pipkins and Salyer being unable in Week 6 would be nothing short of a disaster for the Chargers. Los Angeles is already playing its OT3 and OT4 with Slater and Alt out. Without Pipkins and Salyer, the Chargers would essentially be playing their OT4 and OT6.
Salyer has served as the team's swing guard, starting in place of Becton at right guard in Week 3. However, with experience at tackle, Salyer likely would have filled in for Pipkins if needed. Heck, he may have even started alongside Pipkins, replacing Austin Deculus at left tackle.
Instead, the Chargers may be forced to start Deculus again despite his jarring struggles. Right tackle would likely be Foster Sarell, who has been a recurring nightmare for Chargers fans anytime the offensive line depth gets challenged.
Most of Sarell's career pass-blocking snaps came in 2022, where he allowed 20 quarterback pressures in 208 pass-blocking snaps. He has a 44.8 Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade in 19 snaps this season.
Alt joins his teammates as a DNP, although that is not a surprise. Alt wasn't expected to return, although the Chargers have avoided putting him on the IR, so his return could come in Week 7. Wideout Derius Davis and defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand were also DNPs.
Quentin Johnston, Bud Dupree, and Scott Matlock were all limited participants on Thursday. Becton was upgraded from limited to a full participant as he plays through a hand injury. Keenan Allen returned to practice after a veteran rest day on Wednesday.