Week 4 was a tough one for the Los Angeles Chargers. They lost their first game of the year, being upset by the New York Giants, and to make matters worse, they also lost Joe Alt to an injury. The offensive tackle had to leave the game with a sprained ankle, and while the injury isn’t expected to keep him out long term, it’s likely that he will miss some time.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that on Wednesday, telling reporters that imaging confirmed Alt has an ankle sprain, and that he’s doubtful to play on Sunday. That means Los Angeles will probably be without the tackle when they take on the Washington Commanders.
Jim Harbaugh says Joe Alt is doubtful to play vs. Commanders
Losing a player of Alt’s caliber is always tough, but it’s especially hard for a Chargers team that is already without Rashawn Slater. The two-time Pro Bowler is sidelined for the entire season of tearing his patellar tendon in training camp. Now, Los Angeles will be without both its tackles for the time being.
The good news is that Alt’s injury isn’t going to have him out for a long time, and that he was pushing to get back in the game on Sunday. That means he will likely be back in the lineup sooner rather than later. Until he is back on the field, the Chargers will have to rely on Austin Deculus at left tackle.
Without Alt, pass protection was a bit of a challenge for the Chargers, giving up two sacks and several more pressures. To be fair, though, not many defensive lines have the talent that the New York Giants do. Los Angeles’ line will have the opportunity on Sunday to prove they can keep Justin Herbert clean without Joe Alt.