Los Angeles Chargers’ star left deal with Rashawn Slater was carted off the observe discipline after struggling a left leg harm. This has raised issues in regards to the workforce’s offensive line stability. The incident occurred throughout an 11-on-11 drill when one other participant appeared to fall on Slater’s leg, prompting quick consideration from trainers.
The Los Angeles Chargers are coping with troubling information as their star left deal with, Rashawn Slater, was carted off the sector throughout Thursday’s observe resulting from an obvious leg harm. This incident, reported by Daniel Popper of The Athletic, has sparked concern among the many workforce and its followers, given Slater’s vital position in defending quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside.
What occurred throughout the coaching camp?
Throughout an 11-on-11 drill on the Los Angeles Chargers’ coaching camp, Rashawn Slater went down after one other participant appeared to fall on his left leg. Trainers shortly attended to him, and after a quick examination, he was helped onto a medical cart.
Visibly pissed off, Slater slammed his hand on the cart, signaling the depth of the second. Teammates gathered round to supply assist as he was taken to the workforce’s facility, unable to place weight on his left leg.
Notably, no official analysis has been launched. Hypothesis in regards to the harm’s severity, together with unverified claims of a attainable ACL tear, has surfaced, however the workforce is awaiting additional medical analysis.
Rashawn Slater’s significance to the Los Angeles Chargers
Chosen because the No. 13 total choose within the 2021 NFL Draft, Rashawn Slater has been an necessary a part of the Chargers’ offensive line since his rookie 12 months. Beginning all 16 video games in his debut season, he earned first-team All-Rookie honours and a Professional Bowl choice. Regardless of a biceps harm that sidelined him for many of 2022, Slater returned robust, beginning 15 video games in 2024 and incomes his second Professional Bowl nod.
Final week, Slater’s contract was prolonged for 4 years and for $114 million, together with a $92 million assure, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL historical past by common annual worth. This deal displays his important position in defending Herbert and anchoring an offensive line that head coach Jim Harbaugh has prioritized as one of many league’s finest.
Potential affect and subsequent steps
A protracted-term harm to Slater might considerably disrupt the Chargers’ plans for the 2025 season. It could mark the second time in 4 years that he has confronted a serious harm, following his 2022 biceps tear that ended his season early. The Chargers have choices to fill the hole, together with second-year lineman Joe Alt, a 2024 top-five draft choose who performed left deal with at Notre Dame. Trey Pipkins III, with expertise at each deal with positions, or Ryan Nelson, listed as a backup left deal with on the preliminary depth chart, might additionally step in.
