Penning started at the left guard position six times for the Saints this season, but has experience at tackle (23 starts) in New Orleans through his first three campaigns. He came out of Northern Iowa as a top tackle prospect and was selected with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jamaree Salyer replaced Alt following his exit in last Sunday’s win over the Titans. Tackle Bobby Hart also left the game due to injury, creating even more potential problems at O-line for the Chargers. Austin Deculus and Trey Pipkins are the remaining tackles on L.A.’s depth chart.
Penning is hoped to be the answer as the Chargers (6-3) are in the thick of a heated AFC playoff race.
In other Chargers news, Los Angeles acquired a 2028 conditional seventh-round draft pick when they sent defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor to the Jets.