A quiet hush fell over the Chargers’ facility throughout Thursday’s apply after one of many workforce’s largest stars went down with an harm.
Rashawn Slater — the Chargers’ star left deal with who grew to become the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL historical past final month — sustained an obvious left leg harm throughout workforce drills.
On the play, edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu bull-rushed Slater, driving him backward. As Slater planted his left foot, he collapsed to the bottom and instantly grabbed his leg.
He was down for a number of minutes earlier than trainers and teammates helped him onto a cart. Slater appeared visibly distraught — throwing his helmet, slamming his hand on the cart and burying his face in his palms. A number of teammates came to visit to console him earlier than he left the sector.
Two trainers supported him as he entered the workforce facility. He was unable to place any weight on his left leg.
“I didn’t actually see something — I type of simply rotated and growth,” Tuipulotu mentioned of the play. “We’re praying for him. Man, we hope he’s doing nicely.”
Slater signed a four-year, $114-million contract extension on July 27 that included $92 million assured. The assured quantity is essentially the most ever for an NFL offensive lineman.
His harm comes because the Chargers are already coping with depth issues alongside the road, with Mekhi Becton being sidelined since July 28 with an undisclosed harm.
It’s unclear how a lot time Slater will miss, however his absence prompted a right away reshuffling.
Joe Alt slid over to left deal with for the rest of apply. Trey Pipkins III subbed in at proper deal with — the place he began in 2022 and 2023 — earlier than spending most of final season at proper guard, beginning 15 video games. Ought to Slater miss important time, Alt doubtless will likely be Justin Herbert’s blindside protector.
