As the trade deadline approached, there was much buzz surrounding the possibility that the Los Angeles Chargers might take a big swing on either a player to solidify their offensive line or their backfield.
Yet, the team only made a relatively low-risk trade, acquiring guard/tackle Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints for just a 2027 sixth-round pick, and they now may be set to pay the price for their inaction in their next matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
By all accounts, the Steelers represent one of the most formidable pass rushes in the league, and, with both starting tackles out for the foreseeable future, the Chargers' inability to find a viable replacement could quickly haunt them.
Week 10 could be the most embarrassing week for the O-line yet
The team's struggles, both with performance and with injuries, on their offensive line have been well-documented this season, Star tackle Rashawn Slater went down in the preseason with a season-ending injury. Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins III, Austin Deculus and Bobby Hart have all missed time.
Now, with tackle Joe Alt going down for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury, it appears as though it might be time to throw in the towel on this team having a competitive offense in 2025.
In fairness, Penning was probably the right move given the team's limitations across the rest of their line. With starting experience at both guard and tackle, Penning is versatile enough to be a semi-reliable body wherever they need him on the line.
Yet, it remains to be seen how much more he provides than someone like Jamaree Salyer and Foster Sarell, and, as it stands, it does not appear that Penning will be the savior of the offensive line this season.
This is not just bad news for Los Angeles's playoff hopes; it is terrible news for their matchup against the Steelers.
Through their first eight games, Pittsburgh is tied for third in the league in total sacks, and, although their pressure percentage numbers are not necessarily elite, having someone of TJ Watt's caliber tearing into the backfield is always a menacing sight for a subpar O-line.
Moreover, they are third in the league in blitz percentage, meaning that Justin Herbert should be prepared to face pressure throughout the course of the entire game.
On one hand, Herbert has dealt with pressure all season and has actually performed exceedingly well given the protection he's had to play behind. On the other, the team will now be attempting to cobble together said protection with less resources than they've had all season.
Therefore, this could be a supremely embarrassing week for the Chargers' offensive line.