Editor's note: Trey Pipkins returned to the game in the second half and committed two costly penalties on the first drive.
As the Los Angeles Chargers entered their Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders, everyone surrounding the team knew that the offensive line would be a major concern given the lack of depth with which they are operating.
Yet, a leg injury that starting right tackle Trey Pipkins III suffered in the early portion of the second quarter has made this problem even more confounding, and, as his fellow linemen struggle to protect quarterback Justin Herbert around him, the loss of another viable offensive lineman could be the final blow for this team's viability for the time being.
RT Trey Pipkins (knee) and DL Da'Shawn Hand (groin) are questionable to return.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 5, 2025
Trey Pipkins III injury could leave the offensive line with even less stability
As the Chargers entered the season, many criticized their hesitance to add any depth to their offensive line beyond starting left guard Mekhi Becton, leaving a facet of their game that has been a struggle for years yet again open to much of the same risk.
These fears came to fruition when Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending injury in training camp, and, now, starting left tackle Joe Alt is set to miss time with a high ankle sprain.
Therefore, coming into Week 5, Los Angeles was already starting two back-up offensive linemen (Pipkins III and Austin Deculus, who is starting in place of Alt this game).
To make matters worse, starters Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson have struggled mightily this season, with both, and particularly Bozeman, putting out some of the worst play at their respective positions this season.
While we do not know the severity of Pipkins' injury at this point in time, we do know that another back-up offensive lineman entering the fray for the Chargers has the potential to be disastrous.
As Deculus is already playing for Alt, they would likely need to move Jamaree Salyer to right tackle for the time being, meaning that both tackles would be largely inexperienced players.
While Herbert has displayed his ability to scramble at a higher level this season, the amount of pressure that the line has already let through has stunted the offense, and Herbert's needing to focus on avoiding pressure from the edge deteriorates his ability to complete some of his reads downfield: a vital piece to the Chargers' offensive production given the amount they have looked to pass this season.
Therefore, Pipkins' injury, while it would be a serious setback for any team, looks especially dismal given the current state of Los Angeles's offensive line.