For several uneasy minutes on Tuesday, the Chargers were forced to contemplate a repeat of the injury crisis that derailed their 2025 season.
Left tackle Rashawn Slater exited Chargers training camp with a trainer following the opening 11-on-11 period and headed to the medical tent, according to California Post reporter Vinny Bonsignore. Slater soon emerged and tested himself through several sets before watching individual drills with his helmet in hand.
Bonsignore noted that Slater showed no visible discomfort and did not appear to be limping, offering at least some reassurance.
Still, Slater remained out for the rest of team drills.
Trey Pipkins and Branson Taylor split the left tackle snaps in front of Justin Herbert, providing an immediate look at the depth Los Angeles may need if Slater misses any additional time.
Tuesday marked the Chargers’ first padded practice of training camp, although players wore only shoulder pads and shorts rather than full pads.
The Chargers have not announced an injury or provided a reason for Slater’s removal. His ability to perform movements after leaving the tent could be encouraging, but any uncertainty carries weight after a torn patellar tendon cost him the entire 2025 season.
Los Angeles learned how difficult he is to replace. With Slater playing in 2024, Chargers quarterbacks faced pressure on 34.2% of their drop backs and ranked 9th in expected points per passing play. Without him last season, the pressure rate surged to 43.9% and passing efficiency fell to minus-0.076 EPA per drop back ranking 24th.
The Chargers added Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange to strengthen the interior, but their depth behind Slater remains unproven. Pipkins brings experience, while Taylor is still developing. Neither offers Slater’s combination of balance, technique and blind-side reliability.
Jim Harbaugh has compared the tackles’ return to a plane gradually accelerating down a runway. Tuesday’s interruption showed why the Chargers cannot afford any turbulence before takeoff.
