Rashawn

Slater

Slater resumed practicing in a limited capacity yesterday after taking two weeks off due to a “little flare-up” in his surgically repaired knee. Slater, 27, suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in August last year. It is unclear what type of progress, if any, he was able to make during his two-week absence, but we should find out soon enough. Coach Jim Harbaugh said he hopes to play his starters through two full drives in Thursday’s preseason game against the Rams. Hopefully, Slater accomplishes that feat without issue.

Slater has not practiced since Thursday, but said it is “nothing to be concerned about.” OK, if you say so. After watching how the Christian Darrisaw situation unfolded last year in Minnesota, we think you’re well within your rights to be a little concerned about this even if we’re not in the realm of outright panic just yet.

Slater suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in his left knee last year. He took a trip to the medical tent on Tuesday, and The Athletic’s Daniel Popper later reported that trainers were working on his left leg. He resumed practicing on Wednesday, though, and was seen participating in team drills on Thursday. He appears to be good to go.

Justin Herbert said Slater “wanted to get back on the field and was in good spirits afterward.” This probably isn’t anything to be super-concerned about, but it’s possible Slater could miss a little camp time.

Harbaugh didn’t say exactly how much either player would participate in the opening practices of camp and even noted that the whole team is starting off in a “ramp-up” stage. Alt suffered two high-ankle sprains last year, the second one requiring season-ending surgery. Slater did not play at all in 2025 because of a ruptured patellar tendon. Though it would make sense for both players to be limited during the first few practices of training camp, it doesn’t sound like any player will have any lingering issues heading into 2026.

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz said both players were ahead of schedule when asked about them a week before the NFL Draft. Slater suffered a season-ending ruptured a patellar tendon last August and did not play a snap in 2025. Alt was unable to recover from a high-ankle sprain during the season and finished the year on injured reserve. All signs point to the Chargers having their elite tackle duo healthy for the start of the year. With an improved offensive line and Mike McDaniel on the headset, this is truly a make-or-break year for Justin Herbert.

Both players are ahead of schedule, though Hortiz smartly notes, “coming back from injuries, you don’t rush anything.” The goal is for both players to be ready for the start of training camp. Slater ruptured a patellar tendon last August, ending his 2025 season before it began. Alt attempted to come back from a high-ankle sprain in-season last year before suffering a second high-ankle sprain in the same joint, ending his season.

The Chargers began last year’s training camp possessing one of the league’s best offensive tackle duos in LT Rashawn Slater and RT Joe Alt. Things changed quickly. Slater suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture on August 7th, and Alt underwent season-ending surgery on his right ankle in early November, following a pair of high-ankle sprains. Deepening the offensive line rotation is a smart move for a playoff contender like the Chargers.

Slater is apparently already running full speed. The 27-year-old stalwart left tackle’s absence was a big reason the Chargers struggled badly in pass protection in 2025. This update doesn’t give clarity on his OTA status, but more than a year removed from tearing his patellar tendon, Slater is likely to be ready for training camp.

This is terrible news. Slater is one of the league’s best left tackles. He and OT Joe Alt formed, perhaps, the NFL’s premier tackle tandems. Slater now has a long road to recovery ahead, and will hopefully be fully healthy in time for the 2026 season. With Slater out, Alt will shift from right tackle to left while swing tackle Trey Pipkins III starts on the right. Slater will undergo surgery to repair the tendon and be placed on injured reserve.