The Los Angeles Chargers are trying to steady the ship after dropping three of their last four games, and they could be getting a major boost just in time for Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie left tackle Joe Alt, who’s been battling an ankle injury, told reporters this week that the plan is for him to return to the field Thursday night.
Kris Rhim of ESPN reported that Alt was planning on being available for Thursday night “Q to Joe Alt: ‘Are we gonna see you Thursday?” Alt: “That’s the plan.””
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Head coach Jim Harbaugh offered an optimistic update on Alt’s progress during Tuesday’s media availability, noting the rookie’s relentless effort to get back on the field.
“He’s doing anything and everything he can to play,” Harbaugh said.
Alt practiced Tuesday — a full week after being listed as limited — and has reportedly been pushing through discomfort in hopes of suiting up. The Chargers’ offensive line, which has struggled to find consistency amid a wave of injuries, could desperately use his return.
Right tackle Trey Pipkins, who’s missed two games with a knee injury, is also trending in the right direction.
“Possible. We’ll see today. Those will be game-time decisions, day-of-game decisions,” Harbaugh added, when asked if Pipkins might be ready to go.
Harbaugh later confirmed that running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) is unlikely to play, leaving Kimani Vidal and Nyheim Miller-Hines as the only healthy backs on the active roster. The team recently signed Trayveon Williams to the practice squad for depth.
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The Chargers’ once-promising 3–0 start has unraveled into a 4–3 record after last week’s 38–24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The team has struggled to protect Justin Herbert in recent weeks, with both offensive tackle spots impacted by injuries. Getting Alt back would be a huge step toward stabilizing the pocket.
Alt’s return would also mark an important milestone in his rookie season. The No. 5 overall pick has already shown flashes of becoming a cornerstone on Harbaugh’s offensive line, and his toughness has quickly earned respect in the locker room.
With the short turnaround before Thursday night’s kickoff, Alt’s availability could determine how competitive Los Angeles can be against a Vikings defense that thrives on pressure. As Harbaugh put it, the Chargers are “taking it one day at a time” — but all signs point toward Alt being ready when the lights come on.
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