Mon Nov 03 21:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Chargers’ Victory Overshadowed by Season-Ending Injury to Key Offensive Lineman
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Chargers secured a 27-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, but the win came at a steep price. Left tackle Joe Alt suffered a right high ankle sprain, his second such injury this season, and the team announced Monday he will undergo season-ending surgery.
Alt previously missed three games earlier this season with the same injury, but the impending surgery signals a more significant absence. An MRI is scheduled to determine the next steps.
Alt’s presence on the offensive line has been vital for protecting quarterback Justin Herbert. Statistics highlight his impact:
- Expected Points Added Per Play: 0.10 with Alt, -0.03 without.
- Net Yards Per Attempt: 7.8 with Alt, 6.0 without.
- Pressure Rate: 43.5% with Alt, 38.4% without.
The Chargers are 5-1 when Alt plays and 1-2 when he is sidelined. Their offense operates as a top-tier unit with Alt on the field, but performance drops significantly when he’s absent.
Alt’s move to left tackle was necessitated by Rashawn Slater’s preseason patellar tendon tear. Adding to the line’s woes, Austin Deculus, who previously filled in for Alt, is dealing with an ankle injury, while starting guard Mekhi Becton (hand) was inactive this week, and right tackle Bobby Hart left Sunday’s game with groin and ankle injuries.
The patchwork offensive line during the Chargers’ final drive consisted of Jamaree Salyer, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Foster Sarell, and Trey Pipkins. It was Salyer’s first time playing left tackle and Sarell’s first start at right guard. Pipkins hadn’t started since Week 6.
Alt’s injury could be devastating for the Chargers. Herbert has been sacked 28 times this season, the third-most in the NFL, and pressured 80 times, the most in the league. In Sunday’s game against the Titans, Herbert was contacted 10 times and led the team in rushing with 57 yards and a touchdown due to struggling run game.
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