Chargers Offensive Line Shuffled Amidst Injury Concerns
Slater Carted Off Practice Field, Uncertainty Lingers
The Chargers kicked off practice with a modified offensive line arrangement, only to face further adjustments mid-session. This reshuffling comes as the team navigates player availability and seeks optimal performance.
O-Line Juggled Following Slater’s Exit
The starting offensive line configuration saw Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Andre James, Jamaree Salyer, and Joe Alt from left to right. This unit operated until about halfway through practice when Slater departed and did not return. The star left tackle, who recently signed a multi-year contract extension on July 27, sustained his injury during a team drill. Teammates and coaches showed their concern, gathering around him before he was taken off the field by cart.
Rashawn Slater carted off the field during Chargers practice. He signed a contract extension in late July. Hoping for good news.
— NFL Update (@NFLUpdateNews) August 15, 2024
“Rashawn’s a great player. He’s an All-Pro caliber tackle. He’s great to go against in practice.”
—Minter, Coach
“That’s just something you don’t want to see. Not only Rashawn, but any of our players, anybody getting carted off, anybody down. We don’t want them going into training room as if we aren’t behind them or by themselves. We’re supporting everybody and we wish him the best.”
—Tuli Tuipulotu, Teammate
Following Slater‘s departure, the offensive line saw another shift. Alt moved to left tackle, with Trey Pipkins III taking over at right tackle. The team also reported that rookie offensive lineman Branson Taylor and running back Jaret Patterson exited practice early. Additionally, cornerback Donte Jackson received attention from trainers during a full-team drill.
Young Talent Shows Promise in Individual Drills
Johnston and Still Stand Out in 1-on-1 matchups
Earlier in practice, the Chargers focused on wide receiver versus defensive back 1-on-1 drills. Receiver Quentin Johnston demonstrated a strong performance, winning both his matchups against Donte Jackson with impressive releases off the line. Cornerback Tarheeb Still also had a productive session, not allowing any receptions against Dalevon Campbell and Tre’ Harris. Deane Leonard was credited with forcing two incompletions against Brenden Rice.
On the defensive side, Cam Hart secured an interception during his drill against KeAndre Lambert-Smith, although Harris later caught a touchdown pass on Hart. As the team evaluates its cornerback depth, the competition remains open. Coach Minter indicated that the group is still solidifying its roles with three preseason games remaining.
“I would say not really that close,” Minter commented when asked about a settled cornerback rotation. He added, “I think that there’s a bunch of guys doing some good things, there’s some inconsistencies there that we’re trying to weed out. I think we’re on track on where we want to be, but we’re still a ways away from pinpointing who’s where and what situations.” In the NFL, establishing a solid secondary is crucial; for instance, the Philadelphia Eagles’ cornerbacks allowed only 5.9 yards per target in 2023, ranking them among the league’s best.NFL 2023 Passing Stats.