If the LA Chargers' 2024 season turns sideways in any way then Week 3 will be remembered as the demarcation point in which things started to go wrong. Not because the team suffered its first loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but because of the injuries that were suffered in the loss.
Los Angeles lost a quartet of first-round picks in that game with Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt all leaving the game early. Herbert was the only one of those four to suit up and play in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, although he was noticeably compromised.
The Chargers' Week 5 bye could not have come at a better time as it gives these players an opportunity to rest and get healthy without the stress of rushing back for a game. With how the team played the last two weeks, though, the Chargers are not using this bye week as time away from work. Jim Harbaugh has his guys out there practicing as the team looks to right the ship in Week 6 and beyond.
And to the surprise of many, Alt participated in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. While there are no official designations (full, limited, etc.) because it is not a game week, fans are still very optimistic about what was shared from Wednesday's practice.
Bye week practice for the Chargers. Joe Alt is out here, don’t see Justin Herbert.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) October 2, 2024
Derwin Hames is back too pic.twitter.com/zWUBIX9M3t
Chargers may have avoided injury disaster with Joe Alt
The initial diagnosis for Alt coming out of Week 3 was an MCL sprain, which left a lot of uncertainty about how long he would be out of action. The difference between a grade 1 strain and a grade 3 strain is substantial in how long it will keep a player on the shelf and that information was not available right away.
While the Chargers have not outright commented on what grade Alt's strain is, how the team has handled the injury has done all the talking. Alt not only being back in practice but being listed as questionable instead of out in Week 4, seems to indicate he suffered a grade 1 strain and will be ready to return sooner rather than later.
Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but with how things are tracking it is not far-fetched to assume Alt can return to the Chargers in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos.
Alt has quickly established himself as a well-above-average right tackle and getting him back in the fold will be massive for the Bolts. His potential return is even more important considering Slater may be out for a longer period of time with his torn pectoral.
It appears the Chargers are preparing for that situation as Alt was practicing at left tackle for the Bolts on Wednesday. While Slater's status remains up in the air, Alt's quick recovery is a massive blessing for this Chargers team.