The Chargers appear to have suffered a major loss at left tackle for the time being.
Star offensive lineman Rashawn Slater — the owner of the biggest contract for an offensive lineman in league history — was carted off the practice field Thursday afternoon after appearing to suffer a significant left leg injury.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the league's finest talents at his position since being selected No. 13 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. His value was made all the more clear during the offseason, with Los Angeles shelling out $114 million across four seasons to keep Slater in Tinseltown — $92 million of which is guaranteed.
Here's the latest on Slater's status going forward.
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Rashawn Slater injury update
Slater will miss the whole of the 2025 season with a torn patellar tendon. He'll undergo surgery on the injury and be placed on Injured Reserve.
Rashawn Slater sustained a torn patellar tendon in today’s practice and will undergo surgery to repair the injury.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 7, 2025
He will miss the 2025 season and be placed on Injured Reserve.
Slater went down with what appeared to be a serious left leg injury during Los Angeles' practice on Thursday. The Athletic Daniel Popper reported that the malady brought both the trainers and cart onto the practice field. Teammates huddled around Slater, offering him hugs and well-wishes as he was carted from the facility. Per Popper, Slater threw his helmet in frustration before slamming his hand onto the cart as it made its way towards the sideline. A trainer swiftly placed a towel over his head.
The injury occurred while Slater was running at left tackle in a modified 11-on-11 period, per Popper. Three offensive linemen lined up at the line of scrimmage. When Justin Herbert dropped back to throw, Slater crouched into his pass protection pose. A defender appeared to fall onto his left leg, prompting Slater to crumble to the turf.
This section will be updated.