The Chargers' Week 9 win came at a significant cost.
Offensive tackle Joe Alt suffered an ankle injury that will require season-ending surgery, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Monday.
Alt went down with the right ankle injury in the second quarter of Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans and required a cart to transport him from the field. He was replaced by Jamaree Salyer.
Alt initially suffered a sprained right ankle early in the 2025 season, forcing him to miss three games before returning for the Chargers' blowout win over the Minnesota Vikings in on Oct. 23. Alt's presence was noticeable from the start of that contest, affording quarterback Justin Herbert time to carve up Minnesota's defense on the Thursday night national stage.
Such a benefit would only last for roughly six quarters. Alt's exit in Sunday's win thinned out a tackle group that is already relying on reserves, having lost Rashawn Slater before the season -- which forced Alt to move from right to left tackle -- and replacement right tackle Bobby Hart, who left Sunday's game in the first quarter due to a groin injury.
If Hart can't return, the Chargers will be facing a reality in which they'll be forced to start Salyer and Trey Pipkins at their two tackle spots. Pipkins has experience as a starter but hadn't performed well enough to prevent the front office from seeking upgrades in recent offseasons.
The Chargers (6-3) are in the thick of the playoff hunt in the AFC, but know they'll only go as far as Herbert can take them, which also depends on how well the Chargers can protect him. They struggled mightily Sunday, allowing a season-high six sacks in the narrow victory over the lowly Titans.
Los Angeles also doesn't expect rugged rookie running back Omarion Hampton to return quickly, either. Coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Monday that he does not expect Hampton's activation window to be opened until after their Week 12 bye.
Don't be surprised if Los Angeles explores possible reinforcement options -- with the chief concern being offensive line -- before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline.
