A season-ending injury to a Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman has forced a former Notre Dame All-American to shift positions.
Rashawn Slater, an All-Pro Second Teamer in 2021 and two-time Pro Bowler, ruptured his left patellar tendon during the Chargers' practice on Thursday. According to ESPN's Kris Rhim, Slater collapsed while blocking a fellow teammate during a drill and immediately clutched his left leg before being helped to his feet.
The injury came just under two weeks after Slater signed a four-year, $113 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in team history.
Slater's injury will be a significant loss to a Chargers offensive line looking to provided added protection to star quarterback Justin Herbert, but the team has embodied a "next man up" mentality and addressed how they will move forward positionally.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Friday that Joe Alt will move to left tackle — where Slater would have lined up — and Trey Pipkins will take Alt's place at right tackle, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Alt was the first offensive lineman selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, getting taken off the board by the Chargers at No. 5 overall. He missed just one game during his debut campaign, starting in every one of the 16 contests he appeared in. Alt landed a spot on the Professional Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team for his efforts.
Prior to joining the Chargers, Alt was a two-year starter at Notre Dame, appearing in 38 games during his college football career. He was a consensus All-American in 2023.