Bad situation on Chargers The offensive line got even worse as the team announced Monday that standout left tackle Joe Alt He will have ankle surgery at the end of the season.
Alt, who missed three games earlier this season with an ankle injury, re-injured the same ankle during Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans when linebacker Jihad Ward was blocked in the back of his leg.
“Sorry Joe” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters. “I know everything will be fine. It won't change your life. I feel sorry for him.”
The Chargers offensive line has been in flux since the left tackle. Rashawn Slater injured season-ending knee injury in training camp, just 10 days after signing a record-breaking contract extension.
“I think like everything in sports, it’s adversity,” Harbaugh said. “You just do the best you can and get better. Never give up. Those are the three key elements. Maybe a smaller team, a smaller person wouldn't have found a way to do this, but that's what we do.”
Alt, a 2024 first-round draft pick, moved from right tackle to left tackle to fill that void, taking on the responsibility of protecting quarterback Justin Herbert's blind side.
But Alt went down in Week 4 against the New York Giants and was sidelined for the next three weeks. He returned for Thursday night's win over Minnesota and his presence was felt as both a defender and a blocker.
He had to be carried off the field in the second quarter at Tennessee. The Chargers also lost right tackle Bobby Hart in that game.
In Alt's absence, Trey Pipkins III, Jamari Salyer and Austin Deculus will anchor the offensive line at tackle. Harbaugh was pleased with the squad's efforts against the Titans.
“It showed in the game and you saw how the guys responded. That's what I really admire about our team,” Harbaugh said. “There was a lot to overcome in that game on Sunday, and our guys found a way and overcame it. I would be surprised if they didn't, how well I know this team.”
