Fresh off a close win last week and a 4-2 record, the LA Chargers have been hit with a concerning update on their left tackle, Joe Alt. The Chargers’ LT sprained his high ankle in the first quarter of the Week 4 game against the New York Giants. And the Chargers felt his absence as well, losing two games consecutively. Though Los Angeles managed to scrape past the Dolphins last week without him, Alt was expected to return for Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Now, the latest update on their LT could spell more trouble for the Chargers.

On the October 17 episode of NFL Live, ESPN analyst Mina Kimes gave her thoughts on the week 7 matchup. She first chose the Chargers as favorites to win if Alt plays.

“The Colts’ defense drops from 6 to 26 in success rate when they don’t get pressure,” Mina said. “And Joe Alt is that important to this Chargers offensive line. So if he plays, I’m rolling with LA.”

However, host Hannah Storm was quick to inform Mina that Joe Alt is listed as ‘questionable‘ for the matchup. That was enough to disappoint Kimes. “Do not like this move. I’m going to the Colts,” the ESPN analyst did not waste time before switching her favorites for the Week 7 matchup.

The Colts have a 10-point difference in turnovers to their rivals, with a 5-5 ratio. Also, they have intercepted the opposition team 7 times for 93 yards. But they have suffered only 3 interceptions and lost only 9 yards. Even in the fumbles, they have recovered 2 of 3 fumbles from their rivals, while losing both fumbles from their side.

So, it will be an exciting battle as the Colts are 1st in the AFC South with a 5-1 record. In fact, they are on top of the AFC Conference by being the only team to lose just one game. The Chargers, though, were going strong until 2 losses disrupted their rhythm. But the Week 6 win against the Miami Dolphins has surely boosted their confidence.

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman hopes to secure an upset victory if all his players work in tandem.

Chargers are prepared to fill the hole left by Joe Alt

“We’ve got a really big challenge,” Roman said ahead of the Week 7 game. But he then flagged the difference-makers and added, “They have a really good defense across the board. They’ve got some real difference-makers. All those guys are big-time players.” That’s 100% true!

The Colts have 3 different players with 2 interceptions each. CB Mekhi Blackmon, Safety Cam Bynum, and DE Laiatu Latu have 2 interceptions and 1 sack, also for the CB and DE. Together, they have 64 tackles between themselves. Add CB Kenny Moore II to the mix, who has 1 interception, 1 sack, and 1 fumble for the franchise. So, the makeshift offensive line, which somehow protected QB Justin Herbert against Miami, will face a real test.

They suffered another blow in their injury report as RT Trey Pipkins III will also sit out because of a knee injury. Joe Alt will not be there. Austin Deculus will start again at left tackle for the team. Yet, this week also brought good news.

After injuring his ankle, Alt practiced for the first time this week. So, the Bolts have a ray of hope that he might return in week 8 if not for the clash against the Colts. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is not trying to worry about it. He has left the decision on the medical team to check the player’s injury status. But in the hearts of fans, the frustrations still exist.