The LA Chargers added offensive line reinforcements at the trade deadline with 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning and on Sunday in Jacksonville, Penning is in line to make his first start with his new team.
Los Angeles traded a future sixth-round pick for an offensive lineman who fans wanted the team to avoid at all costs back in 2022. Penning did not have the makings of a successful first-round tackle, and to this point in his career, his production has justified Chargers fans' concerns.
That being said, the Chargers needed help any way they could get it and Penning was the only offensive lineman traded at the deadline. This was the best the Chargers could do, and in Week 11, the team will see just how impactful Penning can be.
The Chargers didn't start him on short rest in Week 10, but in Jacksonville, it appears Penning will protect Justin Herbert's blindside.
#Chargers OL in practice today: LT Trevor Penning, LG Zion Johnson, C Bradley Bozeman, RG Mekhi Becton, RT Trey Pipkins
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 14, 2025
Chargers preparing to start Trevor Penning at left tackle against Jaguars
Unless this is the most advanced version of 4D chess ever done by a head coach (and we can't completely put it past Jim Harbaugh), this all but confirms that Penning will start at left tackle. It seems pretty unlikely that the Chargers will roll out a different starter two days after giving Penning reps at practice on Friday.
As much as Penning has struggled in his NFL career thus far, this is a move Chargers fans have been clamoring for since the trade happened. The alternative is Austin Deculus, who has literally been the worst tackle in the sport this season. It physically cannot get worse than Deculus, and last Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a reminder of that.
Penning won't even come close to providing the same stability Joe Alt provided at left tackle when healthy. However, it's so early in his NFL career that there still could be something for the Chargers to tap into as a former first-round pick. Trey Pipkins has somehow played decent this season, and perhaps the Chargers can get more out of Penning as well.
This isn't a decision that will swing betting lines or make headlines on SportsCenter. But it's a decision that puts Herbert in a better position to succeed, even if the offensive line in front of him is still a bit make-shift.
Penning won't save the Chargers' season, but he very well could keep it from collapsing. A win over the Jaguars has huge playoff implications, and hopefully Penning is a positive part of the end result.