The Washington Commanders have faced numerous injury problems already in 2025. This Sunday’s opponent, the Los Angeles Chargers, are also dealing with their fair share of injuries.
The Chargers lost Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season this summer with a torn patellar tendon. Fortunately for Los Angeles, it had the 2024 No. 5 overall pick Joe Alt on the roster. So, to replace Slater this season, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh simply moved Alt from the right side to the left side. The left side is not unfamiliar to Alt; that’s where he played at Notre Dame.
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Last week was a horrible week for the previously unbeaten Chargers. They lost their first game of the season to the previously winless New York Giants, who were starting a rookie quarterback for the first time. To make matters worse, Los Angeles lost Alt. The initial diagnosis was that it’s a high ankle sprain. He’s already listed as doubtful, and a stint on injured reserve is not out of the question.
Harbaugh discussed Alt’s injury on Wednesday.
“Don’t want to speculate on the degree, but likely not to play this week,” Harbaugh said, via Eric Smith of chargers.com. “We’ll take it day by day. Doubtful this week, and we’ll see about next week.”
With Alt likely out, it looks like the Chargers may start Austin Deculus at left tackle. Deculus filled in for Alt last week against the Giants and struggled. Smith notes that Jamaree Salyer is also an option for the Chargers at left tackle, pending Mekhi Becton being cleared from concussion protocol.
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Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has faced heavy pressure over the last two weeks. With Washington’s struggles against the pass recently, you can expect L.A. to continue with that high-volume passing attack despite some issues along the offensive line.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Chargers to be without LT Joe Alt in Week 5