The Chargers will likely be without their top offensive lineman Sunday against the Commanders.
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday afternoon that imaging showed that Joe Alt has a sprained ankle. Harbaugh also categorized Alt as “doubtful” for Week 5’s home game against Washington.
“Don’t want to speculate on the degree, but likely not to play this week,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll take it day-by-day. Doubtful this week and we’ll see about next week.”
Harbaugh was also asked if Alt could go in Injured Reserve, meaning he’d have to miss a minimum of four games.
“I don’t know that,” Harbaugh said.
Alt said in the locker room Wednesday that while he initially hoped to return to Sunday’s game, his focus has now shifted to a speedy recovery.
“You always want to battle back. You want to be a part of it. It’s not something I thought was major, but it ended up being more than I thought. Had to get out,” Alt said.
He later added: “It’s part of the game. We sign up to play the game and injuries are part of it. My mindset now is it happened and now let’s get back as fast as we can.”
Alt, a team captain, bought Five Guys for the offensive line room after Wednesday’s practice to show his appreciation for the group.
“Physically can’t be out there, so mentally as much as I can be there with the guys, help any way I can,” Alt said. “It’s kind of why I got Five Guys, a little thing for the guys.
“That’s the mindset, physically not there but mentally be there,” Alt added. “Any questions I can help [with], be there with the guys, help with the game plan, be a part of it, that’s my mindset.”