Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Joe Alt suffered a lower right leg injury early in Sunday’s Week 4 loss to the New York Giants. The setback occurred on the Chargers’ second possession when Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux collided with Alt, causing his leg to buckle. Alt limped off under his own power before being carted to the locker room and ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Jim Harbaugh Provides Update
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On Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh offered clarity on Alt’s condition. Kris Rhim of ESPN reported that tests confirmed an ankle sprain for the second-year tackle. Harbaugh said Alt’s Week 5 status is “doubtful” and stopped short of ruling out an injured reserve stint, emphasizing the team would “take it day by day.”
The update aligns with initial evaluations that Alt avoided a more catastrophic injury, but his immediate availability remains in doubt as Los Angeles prepares to face the Washington Commanders.
Impact of Alt’s Injury
Adam Schefter of ESPN explained the precarious nature of the situation:
“High ankle sprain, if you’re the Chargers and you see Joe Alt carted off yesterday, you feel fortunate that he has a high ankle sprain. You don’t want any of your players to get hurt, but when he goes down, you don’t know whether it’s a knee, whether it’s a broken ankle, a dislocation, it could be anything that ends the season.”
Schefter also highlighted the challenge ahead for Justin Herbert behind a depleted line:
“They’ve already lost Rashawn Slater… Now you’re down your two best tackles… Herbert paid the price for it yesterday. They struggled to protect him, he got hit an awful lot. It’s going to be hard to win consistently without Joe Alt.”
Emergency Solutions
In Alt’s absence, rookie Austin Deculus, acquired via trade from the Houston Texans on August 26, filled in at left tackle. Trey Pipkins remains at right tackle, while Foster Sarell was elevated from the practice squad to add depth.
The Chargers already lost Rashawn Slater for the season with a torn patellar tendon, and right guard Mekhi Becton missed Week 4 with a concussion. Alt’s injury leaves the team alarmingly thin at the position.
Looking Ahead
Alt, who started all 20 games of his NFL career to date, has been a cornerstone since being drafted out of Notre Dame. While Harbaugh’s update signals optimism that IR is not guaranteed, the Chargers will have to prepare for the likelihood of being without their top tackles yet again in Week 5.
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