The LA Chargers are projected to have a promising starting offensive line in 2024 thanks in large part to 2024 first-round pick Joe Alt and 2021 Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater being the bookends at the two tackle positions.
On paper, the Chargers have an offensive line that can protect quarterback Justin Herbert and save the team from its disastrous run game from 2023. However, an offensive line is only as good as its bill of health, so it is imperative that it stays mostly healthy throughout the season.
Well, it took only three days of training camp for the Chargers to have their first real injury scare on the offensive line. Slater briefly left Friday's practice with trainers, returned to the practice field, and then ultimately went back inside the facility to presumably be worked on.
Update: Slater’s back inside after briefly working off to the side with trainers https://t.co/9Mhdh8T0Q9
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) July 26, 2024
Rashawn Slater leaves Chargers training camp with potential injury
It is initially unclear what Slater is dealing with and why he was forced out of practice early for the Bolts. Thankfully, it does not seem to be anything too serious as he was able to walk off on his own power.
Slater has struggled to stay healthy the last two seasons and it has impacted his play as a result. The 2021 first-round pick played just three games in 2022 before tearing his biceps in Week 3. Then, while Slater played most of the 2023 season, he battled an ankle injury that hindered his play.
Slater has not produced at the same level that he did during his rookie season in 2021. If Slater is dealing with another injury in 2024 then it is worth questioning how his play will be impacted as a result.
This is a huge season for the left tackle as well. Not only is his success imperative for the success of the overall team, but Slater is also playing for a contract extension. Heading into his fourth season, Slater is eligible to sign a multi-year extension with the Chargers.
However, after two years of injuries and with Alt as a safety blanket, it would be hard to blame the Chargers if they were being cautious about signing Slater to a deal yet. After all, the team has Slater's fifth-year option it can utilize as well as a future franchise tag if the situation really called for it.
Another injury-prone season, not that this will result in that, is only going to hurt Slater's case when he goes to the negotiating table with the Chargers. Hopefully, this injury is nothing.