Chargers Shift Joe Alt to Left Tackle After Rashawn Slater’s Season-Ending Injury

The Los Angeles Chargers just took a haymaker to their 2025 season plans, and Jim Harbaugh is already moving the chess pieces.

On Friday, Harbaugh announced that rookie Joe Alt will shift from right tackle to left tackle following Rashawn Slater’s devastating season-ending knee injury. Slater, one of the NFL’s elite tackles and the anchor of L.A.’s offensive line, tore his patellar tendon in practice this week only months after signing a massive extension.

“It’s like a gut punch right to the solar plexus,” Harbaugh said, visibly shaken. “You can’t even find the words. I just feel bad for Rashawn. I know how much he’s put into it… he’ll be back. Not this season, but he’ll be back.”

The New Look in the Trenches

The shake-up is immediate. Alt, the Chargers’ 2024 first-round pick and a dominant left tackle at Notre Dame, will reclaim his college position. Trey Pipkins, a 42-game starter at tackle who spent last season at guard, will slot in at right tackle.

Harbaugh did not hold back when laying out the plan:

“We know that our best five right now is Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Brad Bozeman, projected Mekhi Becton, and Trey Pipkins. That’s what we’ll start with. Nothing set in stone, but that’s where we’re at.”

Harbaugh’s Confidence Runs Deep

Despite losing a cornerstone player, Harbaugh is not rallying the team with “next man up” clichés. He says his players do not need them.

“I know my team. I know they’re gonna step up. I wouldn’t embarrass them by saying ‘next man up.’ They know what needs to be done.”

All Eyes on the Rams Matchup

The Chargers will not have to wait long to test this new-look offensive line. Their third preseason game is set for a high-profile in-town clash against the Los Angeles Rams. It will be the first real glimpse of Joe Alt protecting Justin Herbert’s blind side and the first indication of whether this unit can hold up without Slater.

Harbaugh’s message is clear. Slater’s loss hurts badly, but the season is not stopping for anyone.