Posted on Sep 28

Chargers' Joe Alt exits game with injury: 'Struggled to put weight on his ankle'

Posted Sep 28, 2025

The Los Angeles Chargers face significant offensive line challenges after left tackle Joe Alt sustained a likely high ankle sprain during their game against the New York Giants.

Why it matters: With Alt's injury compounding an already tumultuous season for the Chargers' offensive line, the team must navigate critical games ahead with limited depth and experience on the line.

This is especially concerning as the Chargers had already lost Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season due to a ruptured patellar tendon earlier in training camp.
Injuries to key players can derail a team’s season, particularly when facing formidable defenses like that of the Giants.

What's new: Joe Alt exited the contest in the first quarter and was ruled out by halftime after struggling to put weight on his right ankle.

The initial assessment suggests a high ankle sprain, which typically requires several weeks of recovery, putting Alt's availability for upcoming games in serious doubt.
Following Alt’s exit, Austin Deculus stepped in at left tackle, further stretching the Chargers' offensive line depth.

Yes, but: This injury marks the third consecutive week the Chargers have lost a pivotal player.

Last week, running back Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, and Kahlil Mack went down with an elbow injury in Week 2, now placed on injured reserve.
The cumulative effect of these injuries could test the resilience of the Chargers’ roster and coaching staff.

What to watch: As the Chargers prepare for the coming weeks, the focus will be on how they adjust their offensive scheme to compensate for their diminished line strength.

With multiple backups on the field, adjustments may include quicker passes or run schemes designed to minimize exposure to defensive pressure.
The effectiveness of these adaptations could be crucial in maintaining offensive production and protecting quarterback Justin Herbert.

The bottom line: The Chargers are now tasked with overcoming significant hurdles as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive amidst a growing list of injuries.

The performance of backup linemen and the coaching staff's ability to adapt will be under scrutiny as the team navigates through this challenging period.
Without Alt and other starters, the burden of execution increasingly falls on both Herbert's shoulders and the remaining skill players to deliver in crucial moments.

Chargers' Joe Alt exits game with injury: 'Struggled to put weight on his ankle'

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 28, 2025

The Los Angeles Chargers face significant offensive line challenges after left tackle Joe Alt sustained a likely high ankle sprain during their game against the New York Giants.

This is especially concerning as the Chargers had already lost Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season due to a ruptured patellar tendon earlier in training camp.

Injuries to key players can derail a team’s season, particularly when facing formidable defenses like that of the Giants.

What's new: Joe Alt exited the contest in the first quarter and was ruled out by halftime after struggling to put weight on his right ankle.

The initial assessment suggests a high ankle sprain, which typically requires several weeks of recovery, putting Alt's availability for upcoming games in serious doubt.

Following Alt’s exit, Austin Deculus stepped in at left tackle, further stretching the Chargers' offensive line depth.

Yes, but: This injury marks the third consecutive week the Chargers have lost a pivotal player.

Last week, running back Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, and Kahlil Mack went down with an elbow injury in Week 2, now placed on injured reserve.

The cumulative effect of these injuries could test the resilience of the Chargers’ roster and coaching staff.

What to watch: As the Chargers prepare for the coming weeks, the focus will be on how they adjust their offensive scheme to compensate for their diminished line strength.

With multiple backups on the field, adjustments may include quicker passes or run schemes designed to minimize exposure to defensive pressure.

The effectiveness of these adaptations could be crucial in maintaining offensive production and protecting quarterback Justin Herbert.

The bottom line: The Chargers are now tasked with overcoming significant hurdles as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive amidst a growing list of injuries.

The performance of backup linemen and the coaching staff's ability to adapt will be under scrutiny as the team navigates through this challenging period.

Without Alt and other starters, the burden of execution increasingly falls on both Herbert's shoulders and the remaining skill players to deliver in crucial moments.