The Los Angeles Chargers secured a 27-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, but the win was overshadowed by a significant injury to left tackle Joe Alt. Alt suffered a right high-ankle sprain, his second this season, which may require surgery according to reports. A Monday MRI will determine the next steps for the rookie standout.
In a hard-fought Week 9 matchup, the Chargers improved to 5-3 with a 27-20 win against the struggling Titans, but the postgame focus shifted to the health of their offensive line. Rookie left tackle Joe Alt, who has been pivotal in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert's blindside, exited the game with what is believed to be a right high-ankle sprain. This marks the second such injury for Alt this season; he previously missed three games after suffering one in Week 4.
ESPN reports suggest this latest sprain could necessitate surgery, potentially leading to a longer absence than before. The Chargers are 5-1 when Alt plays and just 1-2 without him. With Alt sidelined, Los Angeles' offense has dropped to around the level of the 22nd-ranked Carolina Panthers in expected points added per play (-0.03), compared to top-five efficiency when he's in the lineup.
The injury compounds existing issues on the offensive line. Rashawn Slater, the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman before tearing his patellar tendon in the preseason, remains out. Backup Austin Deculus suffered an ankle injury in Week 7, while starting guard Mekhi Becton (hand) and right tackle Bobby Hart (groin and ankle) were also inactive or limited. On the final drive, the line featured Jamaree Salyer at left tackle, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Foster Sarell at right guard, and Trey Pipkins at right tackle—many in unfamiliar roles.
Herbert has faced heavy pressure this season, taking the third-most sacks (28) and the most contacts (80) in the NFL. Against the Titans, he was contacted 10 times but still led the team in rushing with 57 yards and a touchdown amid running back struggles. Alt's potential extended absence could jeopardize the Chargers' offensive stability moving forward.