An absoluty devastating injury for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers’ Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater left Thursday practice on a medical cart after suffering a gruesome left leg injury.
Slater had begun blocking outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu during a team drill, but Slater began collapsing before Tuipulotu rushed him, and immediately grabbed his left leg. Slater was down with an athletic trainer for a few minutes as safety Derwin James Jr. and Denzel Perryman prayed. Eventually, Slater, unable to put weight on the leg, was helped to his feet by trainers and teammates.
Tests confirmed the Chargers fears as it was announced that Slater suffered a season-ending torn patella tendon injury.
The injury comes two weeks after Slater and the Chargers inked a four-year, $114 million contract extension. With Slater set to go on injured reserve, the Chargers will now turn to Trey Pipkins III to fill in.
Slater started all 52 career games at left tackle since being drafted 13th overall by the Chargers in the first round in 2021. Slater has been Justin Herbert’s main protector, allowing the quarterback to set several league-wide passing records.
Last season, Slater’s presence helped the offense commit a franchise-record eight turnovers, tying for the second-fewest offensive turnovers in a single season in NFL history.
