January 1, Chargers Star Slater’s Season-Ending Injury Disaster

Wyatt’s Take

• Elite offensive lineman goes down right after signing massive contract – classic NFL timing
• Chargers’ protection for Herbert just took a major hit before season even starts
• Team spent big money on offensive line improvements, now scrambling for answers

The Los Angeles Chargers just got hit with terrible news that could derail their entire season. All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater is done for 2025 with a ruptured patellar tendon suffered during practice.

Slater went down during a routine blocking drill and couldn’t even stand up afterward. His teammates had to help the 315-pound lineman to his feet as he grabbed his left leg in obvious pain.

“That’s just something you don’t want to see. Not only Rashawn, but any of our players.”

The timing couldn’t be worse for Los Angeles. Less than two weeks ago, Slater signed a record-breaking contract extension worth $113 million with $92 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

Now the Chargers are facing a major offensive line reshuffle. Guard Mekhi Becton has been sidelined since July 28 with his own injury issues, leaving the team thin up front.

The team may move first-round pick Joe Alt to left tackle to fill the massive hole. Coach Jim Harbaugh was recently talking up how “bullish” he felt about the offensive line heading into this season.

Last year with Slater protecting quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers committed just eight turnovers – a franchise record low. That kind of protection will be much harder to maintain without their anchor on the left side.

Slater was visibly devastated as he left practice on a medical cart, slamming his fist and tossing his helmet. The 26-year-old will need surgery to repair the torn tendon and has been placed on injured reserve.

Wyatt Matters

This is exactly why working folks understand the uncertainty of any job – even million-dollar contracts can’t protect you from injury ending everything in an instant.

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