Chargers Already Banged Up Before Season Kickoff

The Los Angeles Chargers are facing many serious injuries as the 2025 NFL season approaches. Both offensive and defensive lines have been impacted by these injuries, raising questions about the depth of the roster. The team’s success this season may be greatly influenced by how they handle these obstacles on and off the field. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff will need to make adjustments accordingly if the Chargers want to stay competitive and make the playoffs.

Slater’s Season-Ending Setback

Rashawn Slater, the Chargers’ left tackle, signed a massive four-year, $114 million contract on July 27th, with $92 million guaranteed, given how important it is to protect Justin Herbert’s blindside. That deal made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Some of the Chargers’ biggest gains on the ground in 2024 came when running directly behind his side of the line. Roughly two weeks later, disaster struck when Slater ruptured his patellar tendon on August 7th during training camp, which was declared a season-ending injury before it even started. Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that veteran Trey Pipkins will slide over to right tackle and place Joe Alt on the left-hand side.

Joe Alt, son of former Kansas City Chiefs player John Alt, takes over Slater’s position as left tackle. At twenty-two years old, Alt has some major shoes to fill. While “football is in his DNA,” the Chargers are betting on raw talent as much as pedigree. This adjustment may be a major game-changer for the Chargers. With the season quickly approaching, the Chargers are forced to reshuffle their offensive line in a major, unexpected way.

Deane Leonard’s Injury & Concerns With Him Sidelined

The Chargers' injury crisis did not end with Slater. During the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on August 10th, cornerback Deane Leonard had a leg injury. He required assistance leaving the field. An essential member of the Chargers' secondary, Leonard is renowned for his ability to cover tight ends and wide receivers. With his absence, this forces other players to be prepared to fill critical coverage positions in a timely manner before the season kickoff.

The Chargers are already lacking in defensive backs, who are responsible for intercepting other teams' passes. This highlights how much Leonard’s absence affects both the defense and the fanbase’s outlook for the season. He made eight tackles and broke up three passes during the ten games he played last season. His previous games and stats highlight his ability to help the team when given the opportunity, as well as his quick thinking. 

As the season approaches, the defense confronts uncertainty. There aren't any current set dates for Leonard’s comeback. To compensate for Leonard's absence, the Chargers will need to rely on younger players or change their defensive approach. That kind of shift could create as many problems as it solves, given how thin their secondary already is.

Quentin Johnston’s Concussion and Tanner Ingle’s Big Play

It was August 16th during a game against the Los Angeles Rams when another brutal blow took place for the Bolts. Starting wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a former first-round pick in 2023, sustained a concussion. In June, Chargers wide receiver coach Sanjay Lal had expressed confidence in his ability as a player, along with his development on the team. Johnston landed on his back and remained motionless for a short time before medical staff attended to him.

He was eventually able to sit up and walk to the cart on his own before being transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Johnston was down during the third play of the game and was carted off the field and rushed to the hospital for assessment after taking a strong hit from Rams safety Tanner Ingle. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the diagnosis after the game, noting that Johnston was talking, remembered the play, and was moving well. As he recovers, there hasn’t been a date disclosed for Johnston’s return, leaving many concerned. 

Najee Harris Recovery Leaves the Backfield in Question

As Najee Harris attempts to bounce back from a fireworks-related eye injury, the Chargers' running back situation continues to be in jeopardy. Due to his slow recovery, Harris will likely miss at least this season's initial four games. The Chargers may open up a roster spot if they put Harris on the non-football injury list. This would result in him missing the first month of the season. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, on August 19th, Harris made his first appearance back at practice since late July, which could lead to an earlier recovery than initially expected as fans stay tuned.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery

The Los Angeles Chargers are under pressure going into the 2025 campaign after suffering early injuries to important players on both sides of the field. Jim Harbaugh, the head coach, is relying on new talent and faces. The team's flexibility is now more essential than ever. How soon injured players return and how effectively replacements perform could determine the Chargers' chances of making the playoffs. This season may hinge on two different elements: how quickly their star players can return from injury and whether their replacements can step up when it matters the most.