What exactly is going on with Rashawn Slater? This is the question Chargers fans have raised since the start of training camp and the answers don’t add up.
When reporters asked Greg Roman last week why Slater wasn’t on the field, he explained that Slater had taken a “rest day, etcetera” and that he was in the facility working out. No need to worry, right?
On Tuesday at the University of San Diego, Jim Harbaugh was questioned on Slater’s current status. His answer was noticeably different from Roman's.
Harbaugh said, “He’s working through a minor injury.” All of a sudden, Roman’s reference to a routine rest day comes across as a scenario worth keeping an eye on; or even worrying about.
Varying answers on Rashawn Slater have Chargers fans confused (and slightly worried)
Roman and Harbaugh not being on the same page regarding Slater's status starts to become a tad concerning. We don't want to jump to any conclusions yet but how serious can Slater's "minor injury" actually be?
Slater has missed his 3rd straight practice as the team moved their training camp to San Diego for July 22nd & 23rd. Slater was present in San Diego but continues to work off to the side with strength & conditioning coach, Ben Herbert.
Chargers fans are well acquainted with the mixed signals. During mini-camp, Harbaugh downplayed Mike Williams’ injury when the team slotted Williams on the PUP list. Only a few days later, Williams announced his retirement from the NFL.
Now, why are we hearing two different stories? If it is just a rest day, why not say so outright? The conflicting statements accomplish more than reassurance; they spark concern in Chargers fans.
It’s no secret that Slater is in line for an enormous paycheck in his new contract as one of the NFL’s star left tackles.
Slater ranks among the league’s most elite left tackles. He’s a key player to the Chargers’ success this season in protecting Justin Herbert.
Hopefully, this is all just nothing at the end of it, and Slater becomes a full participant in training camp this upcoming week, but the mixed signals from the coaching staff are going to continue making Chargers fans hold their breath.