Chargers assess multiple injuries after loss in Seattle; Rashawn Slater considered injured reserve candidate
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday the team is “still evaluating” injuries sustained in Sunday’s loss at Seattle. The Chargers are 0-4 as they prepare to host the Denver Broncos in Week 5. Harbaugh confirmed multiple starters left the game and did not return.
Harbaugh confirmed Rashawn Slater suffered a high ankle sprain after a Seahawks defender rolled up on the back of his leg with about eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter at Seattle’s 5-yard line. Harbaugh said Slater is “more of a possibility for injured reserve” than Joe Alt. Slater missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in training camp last August.
Joe Alt exited late in the second quarter after a collision in the pocket and did not return, and Travis Burke replaced him at right tackle. Burke played 49 snaps in Week 4, Harbaugh said. Harbaugh added that Trevor Penning remains in concussion protocol and that Logan Taylor, who was already in the game at left guard, shifted to left tackle after Slater left. Jacob Spomer entered at center as rookie Jake Slaughter moved to left guard, and the Chargers finished with Taylor, Slaughter, Spomer, Cole Strange and Burke on the offensive line.
Harbaugh said safety Derwin James and cornerback Donte Jackson are dealing with hamstring issues and are considered week-to-week. James was inactive for the Seattle game and is not considered a candidate for injured reserve, while Jackson managed seven snaps before exiting. Harbaugh said wide receiver Ladd McConkey played 24 snaps before being downgraded to out with a foot injury and that Charlie Kolar practiced in a limited fashion after forearm surgery on Sept. 21. He added that left guard Kayode Awosika, receiver Brenen Thompson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson are “making good progress” and that the team will reassess on Wednesday.
NFL Sports Blog Take
With Slater a likelier candidate for injured reserve and Penning in concussion protocol, the Chargers’ offensive line depth will be tested in the coming weeks. The team turned to multiple rookies on Sunday and Harbaugh said they acquitted themselves well, but losing established tackles increases the importance of midweek evaluations and roster flexibility. Health questions for Derwin James and Donte Jackson also complicate the Chargers’ short-term defensive plans against the Broncos and then at Kansas City, and the team needs clearer timelines by Wednesday to finalize game plans and possible roster moves.