The worst part of the preseason is the never-ending line of injuries that no team wants. And it hit the Los Angeles Chargers hard this year. The Chargers recently canceled their joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams because of mounting injuries that HC Jim Harbaugh has been tackling. Rams coach Sean McVay later clarified the situation as he said, “I think they’re a little bit banged up, talking to coach Harbaugh.” But the real blow for the Chargers wasn’t losing practice time. It was Justin Herbert losing one of his biggest offensive linemen.

The Chargers’ offense was already thin when disaster struck last week. Just days after signing a massive contract extension, offensive tackle Rashawn Slater collapsed during a non-contact drill. Teammates gathered around as he avoided putting weight on his injured leg. Tests confirmed the worst. Slater tore his patellar tendon, ending his season before it began. The Chargers quickly placed him on injured reserve. It couldn’t have been more devastating news for the team as Slater’s veteran presence anchored the Chargers’ front line. Over four seasons, he had played 51 games and earned two Pro Bowl nods. That was a tough blow.

Jim Harbaugh wasted no time in going into damage control mode. He ensured the signing of offensive tackle David Sharpe to stabilize the line for the rest of the preseason. But Sharpe isn’t a star name. He has played in 45 games and started six. He can only be a steady journeyman to fill gaps. So, Harbaugh made another bold move.

He shifted rookie Joe Alt, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 draft, to left tackle. Then Trey Pipkins will slide into Alt’s spot at right tackle. The goal? Keep everyone fresh. The risk? Chemistry and effectiveness could take a hit. 

Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman did not sugarcoat the impact. According to sources, he recently admitted, “It forces me to recalibrate, really rethink everything.” He further added, “Trey Pipkins has stepped in and is doing a good job with it… It’s gonna force everyone to dig down really deep… losing Slate, never a good thing.” Roman’s honesty says it all. Losing Slater has been a major loss, and it changes everything for the Chargers.

Greg Roman’s words made it clear that the team will have to monitor performances closely before the season starts to determine the final OL configurations. The good news? Joe Alt is no stranger to left tackle. He started 33 games there in college and has practiced on that side in the NFL. Back in July, when Rashawn Slater missed practice time with a blister, Alt stepped in at camp without missing a beat.

Still, the preseason will be a big test to see if Jim Harbaugh’s new configuration can hold up. Even though Rashawn Slater’s replacement is a talented player, having him off the field for 2025 is brutal news. His role in the OL was key to the Chargers’ chances of making it to the playoffs. Now, with him gone, it will require some serious effort from the Chargers to make that postseason push. And here’s the kicker – Slater’s injury isn’t the only concern for the team.

Chargers to face more reshuffling as Jim Harbaugh’s OL takes another hit 

Chargers guard Mekhi Becton’s status for Week 1 has also been up in the air. He hasn’t practiced since July 28 due to what the team calls a “minor” injury. His absence comes at the worst possible time for Jim Harbaugh’s already shuffled OL. So, will Becton be ready?

Greg Roman sounded cautiously optimistic. “Mekhi’s working through something… He’ll be fine. He’s getting a lot of great meeting time, walkthrough time,” he said. But then came the warning: “I’m not putting anything in concrete.” That uncertainty is dangerous territory for a team already scrambling. Mekhi Becton was one of the Chargers’ top free-agent picks this offseason.

He signed a two-year, $20 million deal after starting 15 games at right guard for the Eagles last year. Drafted 11th overall in 2020, he spent his first four years with the Jets, mostly at tackle. His career got a second wind when he moved inside to guard in Philadelphia. 

With the Chargers now, the plan was simple for Mekhi Becton. He was supposed to start at guard alongside Zion Johnson and enjoy the stability. But if he can’t go for the season opener against the Chiefs, Jim Harbaugh will have to reshuffle. Again. That’s a nightmare scenario. Too many changes on the OL can disrupt timing, create missed assignments, and leave Justin Herbert exposed. And with Kansas City’s pass rush waiting, the margin for error is tiny. So, where does this leave the Chargers?

Football seasons are long, and injuries happen. The difference between contenders and pretenders often comes down to how well a team adapts. Jim Harbaugh’s ability to manage these losses and keep Justin Herbert protected will define their season.