Official 2026 Chargers News | Acquisitions | Transactions | Injuries

[DerwinBosa]

I'll be the first to say this, but I do NOT think Slater will be the same player. That was a devastating injury.

Not sure what kind of insurance clause the Chargers built into that contract or if it can even be utilized, but you're likely looking at a guy coming back to be barely average but getting paid a record contract. I guess that's still better than a guy like Deculus but the contract is brutal in that light.

You're not the first. A few weeks ago I mentioned how Hortiz may want to plan on keeping Alt at left tackle in the ensuing years, invest a first-round pick on a right tackle, and move Slater inside to guard. I think Slater can do well with a move inside, and I don't want to rely on him at left tackle after this latest injury. It didn't receive the most positive reaction here, but I don't think it's a bad idea.

[Boltjolt]

I'll be the first to say this, but I do NOT think Slater will be the same player. That was a devastating injury.

Not sure what kind of insurance clause the Chargers built into that contract or if it can even be utilized, but you're likely looking at a guy coming back to be barely average but getting paid a record contract. I guess that's still better than a guy like Deculus but the contract is brutal in that light.

Maybe but the KC rookie LT looks good and he had the same injury. A pateller injury to a OL isnt the same as it is to a CB, WR or any skill player. I havent seen what Dr Chao has said about it or at least dont recall. JC Jackson came back from it pretty fast but he wasnt playing well before he hurt it so hard to tell if the injury effected him more or not.

Time will tell with Slater.

[Boltx]

Maybe but the KC rookie LT looks good and he had the same injury. A pateller injury to a OL isnt the same as it is to a CB, WR or any skill player. I havent seen what Dr Chao has said about it or at least dont recall. JC Jackson came back from it pretty fast but he wasnt playing well before he hurt it so hard to tell if the injury effected him more or not.

Time will tell with Slater.

I agree 100% with what you're saying...but it's the Chargers, so you already know our fate.

We won't be able to get out from under the contract and feel forced to play him, only with subpar results.

The OL mediocrity must continue, even in creative ways!

[Riverwalk]

You're not the first. A few weeks ago I mentioned how Hortiz may want to plan on keeping Alt at left tackle in the ensuing years, invest a first-round pick on a right tackle, and move Slater inside to guard. I think Slater can do well with a move inside, and I don't want to rely on him at left tackle after this latest injury. It didn't receive the most positive reaction here, but I don't think it's a bad idea.

Slater deserves the benefit of the doubt before armchair coaches say he can’t play LT and needs to be reassigned.

[CanadianBoltFan]

You're not the first. A few weeks ago I mentioned how Hortiz may want to plan on keeping Alt at left tackle in the ensuing years, invest a first-round pick on a right tackle, and move Slater inside to guard. I think Slater can do well with a move inside, and I don't want to rely on him at left tackle after this latest injury. It didn't receive the most positive reaction here, but I don't think it's a bad idea.

I dont think your idea is crazy

We just dont know. Slater with his work ethic is as good a candidate as any to make it all the way back. What Josh Simmons has done is encouraging

However, no one should be automatically assuming and penciling in the same old stud LT, Slater next year. This is way up in the air

[Boltx]

Slater deserves the benefit of the doubt before armchair coaches say he can’t play LT and needs to be reassigned.

Oh he absolutely does deserve the benefit of seeing what he can do physically, but cmon, we all know how this story is going to end.

[Riverwalk]

Oh he absolutely does deserve the benefit of seeing what he can do physically, but cmon, we all know how this story is going to end.

Not me. Speak for yourself Nostradamus.

[DerwinBosa]

Slater deserves the benefit of the doubt before armchair coaches say he can’t play LT and needs to be reassigned.

Nobody is saying he CAN'T play left tackle. I just don't want to go into next season without a plan for if he doesn't. Going into next season he'll have missed the equivalent of two out of five seasons to injury. That's not comforting and doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt.

And I really don't care about his or any other player's feelings. The object is to win the Super Bowl, and IF that includes moving Slater inside, so be it.

[Bolt-O]

Just a reminder... This thread is intended to post NEWS, vs. longer discussions that can be done in the other threads or can be moved to a new thread. The reason is so that headlines or roster moves can be highlighted here, but discussion shouldn't bury that news. I think some of our lurkers would appreciate that.

[sonorajim]

Nobody is saying he CAN'T play left tackle. I just don't want to go into next season without a plan for if he doesn't. Going into next season he'll have missed the equivalent of two out of five seasons to injury. That's not comforting and doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt.

And I really don't care about his or any other player's feelings. The object is to win the Super Bowl, and IF that includes moving Slater inside, so be it.

Alt is the obvious answer at LT if Slater doesn't return full strength. Maybe he can play C.
Slater should get a chance to return if he's at an All Pro level.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Nobody is saying he CAN'T play left tackle. I just don't want to go into next season without a plan for if he doesn't. Going into next season he'll have missed the equivalent of two out of five seasons to injury. That's not comforting and doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt.

And I really don't care about his or any other player's feelings. The object is to win the Super Bowl, and IF that includes moving Slater inside, so be it.

I think what you are rightly saying is the team preparing for all eventualities on the offensive line next year. Something they did not do this year.

Even if we give them a pass on the unfortunate injuries to the tackles...signing a big boom or bust injury lottery like Becton with no back up plan when the IOL was bad last year and that is your only move was not good planning.

[jamrock]

Just a reminder... This thread is intended to post NEWS, vs. longer discussions that can be done in the other threads or can be moved to a new thread. The reason is so that headlines or roster moves can be highlighted here, but discussion shouldn't bury that news. I think some of our lurkers would appreciate that.

Here's the NEWS: Same old Chargers. Even Harbaugh cannot right the ship.

Carry on regulars and lurkers