After opening the season with 3 back-to-back wins, the Los Angeles Chargers have hit a slump, dropping two games on the trot. Now, head coach Jim Harbaugh wants his stars back. One of them is LT Joe Alt, who’s responsible for protecting QB Justin Herbert. They carted him off in 1st quarter of Week 4 against the New York Giants, later confirming the ankle injury.

ESPN reporter Kris Rhim reported on October 8 that Alt was walking around the locker room without a walking boot. Even the coach had earlier revealed that he’s doing “really well.” If you look at the current Chargers’ performance, he is coming back at a crucial time. They need to bounce from back-to-back defeats. Without solid offensive protection, Herbert has also slipped to 8th in passing yards (1229). His 166 passing yards against the Washington Commanders were his lowest of the season so far.

Herbert has been sacked 16 times in 5 games (3rd worst in the league). 4 of those sacks came in the Commanders game, which Alt didn’t play in. Before being ruled out with his ankle injury, the LT had played 81% of the Chargers’ offensive snaps (219) and 14% special teams snaps (14).

With right tackle Rashawn Slater out with a season-ending patellar tendon injury, Alt’s return to full fitness is even more important for the Chargers’ offensive line. Five weeks into the season, they rank 28th in pass block win rate (51.7%) and 24th in run block win rate (69.7%).

And as the OL awaits the tackle’s return, coach Jim Harbaugh is bolstering the defense as well.

Jim Harbaugh signs a linebacker

Jim Harbaugh got Odafe Oweh and a draft pick from the Ravens by giving them DB Alohi Gilman. “He’s a lot like Khalil Mack. Direct rusher, but has speed, has depth, has ability to set the edge. Been a very good, productive young player in his prime,” the coach said while praising him.

The Chargers’ edge rush has struggled without linebacker Khalil Mack, who’s been out with an elbow injury. He suffered the blow during the Week 2 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. His absence has slowed down the unit’s explosiveness and pass-rush pressure. Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu has been the main force so far, ranking in the NFL’s top 10 with 27 quarterback pressures, 19 hurries, and 4 sacks.

Still, the team has lacked a consistent finisher, someone who can close plays and create turnovers. That’s why Los Angeles traded for Odafe Oweh, who’s excited to contribute despite being caught off guard by the trade to some extent.

The 26-year-old edge rusher brings production and speed off the edge. Over his NFL career, Oweh has played 67 games with 148 tackles, 23 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 3 recoveries. His best year came in 2024, when he recorded 39 tackles, 10 sacks, and a forced fumble for the Baltimore Ravens.

While he hasn’t had the best season so far, recording zero sacks, according to TruMedia, he is 33rd in the NFL in pressure rate at 11%. As far as the Chargers are concerned, that’s only second to Tuipulotu (13.6%). With Tuipulotu applying steady pressure and Oweh bringing burst and finishing ability, Los Angeles suddenly has a stronger, faster defensive combination.