The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line has been under siege through the first month of the 2025 NFL season, and the Joe Alt injury in Week 4 against the New York Giants only heightened concerns. Despite initial fears, ESPN’s Adam Schefter offered some optimism regarding the second-year Notre Dame tackle.
“Basically, [Alt] wanted to go back in, and they told him no,” Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show. “He didn’t want to accept that a high ankle sprain usually limits you… but he’s going to get a second opinion [on Monday]… it doesn’t sound like he’s going to miss a lot of time.”
Alt sustained the injury early in the game after a collision with Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. He limped off under his own power before being carted to the locker room. X-rays were negative for fractures, and an MRI is scheduled to determine the full severity. Recovery for high ankle sprains varies: Grade 1 injuries often take 1–2 weeks, while more severe grades can sideline a player for over a month.
Offensive Line in Crisis after Joe Alt Injury
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
Alt’s injury compounds an already critical situation for Los Angeles. Rashawn Slater, the Chargers’ starting left tackle and two-time Pro Bowler, is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon. Right guard Mekhi Becton also missed Sunday’s game due to a concussion. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has spoken about the impact on quarterback protection:
“They struggled to protect [Justin Herbert], he got hit an awful lot. It’s going to be hard to win consistently without Joe Alt,” Schefter summarized.
Rookie Austin Deculus, acquired from Houston late in August, filled in at left tackle but had minimal time to acclimate to the Chargers’ system. Trey Pipkins remains at right tackle, and Foster Sarell was elevated from the practice squad to bolster depth.
Emergency Solutions and Forward Plan
In an effort to prepare for Alt’s potential absence, the Chargers worked out four offensive linemen on Monday: Gottlieb Ayedze, McClendon Curtis, Michael Dunn, and Jaylon Thomas, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. The goal is to increase depth and flexibility while the starters recover.
Despite the challenges, Los Angeles still holds a 3–1 record, offering hope that the team can weather the storm. “They’ve already lost Rashawn Slater… Now you’re down your two best tackles… Herbert paid the price for it yesterday,” Schefter said. “But it doesn’t sound like [Alt] is going to miss a lot of time.”
Alt’s return will be critical to stabilizing the offensive line and protecting Herbert as the Chargers look to maintain momentum in the early stages of the season. Until then, creative solutions and depth players will be crucial for Los Angeles’ success.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Chargers YouTube Channel