Just one week after signing a record-setting extension with the LA Chargers, Pro Bowl tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a lower-body injury during training camp that has all the makings of being serious.
According to those at camp, Slater was down after a play and needed to be carted into the Chargers locker room. The scene was particularly somber with teammates coming up to Slater and hugging him while he was on the card.
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Slater threw his helmet down in frustration and slammed his hand on the cart once it reached the sideline. A trainer then put a towel over Slater's head as he was carted inside to the locker room.
Chargers' nightmare becomes a reality after Rashawn Slater suffers scary training camp injury
The exact specifics of Slater's injury are still unclear but the early signs are discouraging. Any substantial injury to Slater's lower body would more than likely end his 2025 season before it even begins.
While Slater is out, regardless of the duration, sophomore tackle Joe Alt will likely slide back to his natural left tackle position. Swing tackle Trey Pipkins, who the Chargers opted to keep on an over-priced contract for a backup, will slot in as the starting right tackle.
Slater has missed just two games over the last two seasons. In 2022, Slater played just three games before missing the rest of the season with a bicep injury. During that time, the Chargers fielded some of the worst tackle play in the NFL.
Slater potentially being out for an extended time also puts more pressure on the team's interior offensive line, especially on the left side. The Chargers opted not to upgrade left guard Zion Johnson and center Bradley Bozeman. With Slater potentially out of the picture, this already glaring hole appears to be even worse.
We will continue to update our readers with new information as it becomes available.