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Chargers’ Rashawn Slater out for season after practice injury
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- Chargers’ Rashawn Slater out for season after practice injury
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The post Chargers' Rashawn Slater out for season after practice injury appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Fans' worst fears have been confirmed. Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater , who was carted off the practice field on Thursday, has indeed suffered a season-ending ruptured patella tendon , according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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A once blissful summer is rapidly turning sour. The Chargers already had questions to answer on their offensive line, but they were counting on their multi-time Pro Bowl left tackle to help stabilize the unit through any adversity. They doubled down by inking Slater to a historic $114 million contract extension at the end of July. Now, with opening kickoff less than a month away, head coach Jim Harbaugh must quickly pivot.
One does not just replace an undeniable difference-maker in the trenches, though. This devastating injury will significantly affect how LA executes its Justin Herbert -led offense. It is not an exaggeration to say that this squad's whole identity, as well as its playoff chances, just took a huge hit.
Can Chargers survive without Rashawn Slater?
Slater, a Second-Team All-Pro during his rookie 2021-22 campaign, posted a 90.4 pass-blocking grade and an 82.8 mark in run-blocking last season, per Pro Football Focus . He also allowed three sacks and 22 total pressures in 15 games. The Harbaugh effect will be put to the test in the 26-year-old's absence.
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The words "maybe next year" have been uttered about this franchise so many times that they had all but lost their meaning. This season was supposed to be different, however. Although the Chargers woefully disappointed in their AFC Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans in January, there was optimism that they could take a clear leap in the second year of the Jim Harbaugh era. Following Slater's brutal injury, dark clouds are reemerging above SoFi Stadium.
But perhaps the sun can still peak out. This offense boasts plenty of promise, even without the former first-round draft pick. Joe Alt is a mountain of a man who can make a sizable impact on the offensive line. Fellow second-year talent Ladd McConkey recorded 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton possesses the power that Harbaugh loves to employ in his backfield. Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen has already proven to be a valuable safety net during his career.
If Justin Herbert can manage to stay upright, he will have a number of intriguing weapons to wield. That should be far more difficult to do now, though. Los Angeles has much to figure out and little time to do it. Fans will hope the Chargers can find a suitable solution, but the only thing that can truly ease their nerves right now is a time machine.
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