A day after shedding the cornerstone of their offensive line, the temper across the Chargers’ coaching facility remained the identical — somber.
“It’s like a intestine punch into the photo voltaic plexus — takes the wind out of you,” coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned. “Don’t actually have the phrases or am ready to consider the rest. Man, simply really feel unhealthy.”
It was the primary day of shifting ahead with a new-look offensive line after studying Rashawn Slater ruptured his patellar tendon — an damage that can require him to endure season-ending surgical procedure.
Even with the necessity to transfer ahead, Slater remained on everybody’s thoughts. Harbaugh mentioned he was assured Slater would overcome the setback.
“I additionally understand how he’ll assault the rehab and practice, and he’ll be again,” Harbaugh mentioned. “Not this season, however I do know he’ll be again.”
For Joe Alt — the opposite half of the most effective offensive sort out duos within the NFL — it was tough to simply accept that the person who mentored him throughout his rookie season final yr wouldn’t be taking part in in 2025.
“I’m praying for him,” Alt mentioned. “I do know what he’s going to do. I do know he’s going to get better and he’s going to assault it and be again higher than ever.”
The mindset within the offensive line room has shifted with Slater out. They’re decided to remain centered on honoring him by way of their play.
“We’re brothers,” Alt mentioned. “Sure, one fell down, and the purpose is to play in addition to 5 is one, and the one approach we will do that’s by shifting ahead and taking part in the very best we will, to do what he would need us to do.”
Trey Pipkins III, who has moved into a possible beginning function at proper sort out due to the damage, mentioned he spoke with Slater, whose “spirits are pretty much as good as they are often,” including Slater was “joking round slightly.”
Slater’s absence presents a possibility for Pipkins, who’s within the last yr of his contract and returning to a place he performed for his first 5 seasons earlier than a quick shift to protect final season.
Whereas Harbaugh mentioned nothing is ready, Pipkins — who began at proper sort out in each 2022 and 2023 — will get the primary take a look at the spot. Jamaree Salyer, who Harbaugh praised for a robust exhibiting all through camp, additionally may problem for the beginning function.
For now, the offensive line consists of Alt shifting to left sort out, Zion Johnson at proper guard, Bradley Bozeman at middle, Mekhi Becton at left guard and Pipkins at proper sort out, in accordance with Harbaugh.
With the lack of depth on the offensive line, the workforce plans to discover the free-agent market and expects to usher in gamers for exercises Saturday earlier than the preseason sport towards the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Najee Harris’ standing stays unclear
A possible return timeline for operating again Najee Harris, who has been on the non-football damage/sickness listing since a July 4 fireworks incident, stays unclear.
Harris started strolling laps at apply on Aug. 2, carrying a helmet with a visor and cleats, however has but to progress additional in his restoration. Harbaugh remained imprecise about when Harris may apply or play for the Chargers.
When requested if Harris can be prepared for the Chargers’ season opener towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in Brazil — which Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, mentioned he expects — Harbaugh replied, “There’s a probability.”
Like with most participant damage updates, Harbaugh deferred to his lack of medical experience when requested if the damage was nonetheless simply “superficial,” as first reported, or one thing extra severe.
Two days in the past, Harris posted a photograph on Snapchat exhibiting his left eye utterly shut, captioned: “WE AT IT.”
“I don’t touch upon it as a result of I’m not a health care provider,” Harbaugh mentioned. “I’m not Mr. Harris’ agent, both. I’m speaking about what I do know, and may he open his eye? Yeah. I’ve regarded into his eye.”
