Star offensive tackle Rashawn Slater will miss the 2025 NFL season after the Los Angeles Chargers announced that he suffered a season-ending injury during team drills
Los Angeles Chargers star offensive tackle Rashawn Slater will miss the 2025 NFL season after suffering a torn patellar tendon following a collision with Tuli Tuipulotu during Thursday’s practice.
The Chargers confirmed that Slater will undergo surgery and be placed on the injured reserve list, just a month after he signed a record four-year, $113 million contract. Stassney Brown, Slater’s ex-wife, was forced to call out a ‘deplorable’ tweet about his new deal.
lIt’s a major blow to the Chargers’ 2025 plans, following excitement over the offensive tackle duo of Slater and Joe Alt. The Chargers impressed during a blowout 34-7 preseason win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game, but alterations will be made to the offensive line.
During a drill on Thursday, quarterback Justin Herbert took the snap and Slater assumed his pass protection role. Tuipulotu then rushed Slater and knocked him to the turf.
Slater’s left foot was planted and struggled to contain the impact, instead buckling and leading to the season-ending injury. Slater immediately grabbed his left knee as trainers rushed onto the field to offer medical assistance.
The offensive tackle launched his helmet in frustration as a cart reached the sideline, and he was transported away from the field. Slater was seen with his head in his hands, and a trainer placed a towel over his head.
Footage emerged on social media of the play from a beat reporter present, and former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz commented: “Hard to watch Slaters injury will be bad. Its a bummer. Glad he got paid tho”.
Teammates rushed over to Slater and offered support, and Tuipulotu attempted to describe the incident after practice. “Thats just something you dont want to see. Not only Rashawn, but any of our players,” he said.
“I didnt really see nothing. I kind of just turned around, and then, boom. Were praying for him. We hope hes doing well, and, man, everybodys behind his back, everybodys got him. Wishing for the best.”
After Slater was carted off, Alt moved from right to left tackle, and Trey Pipkins III filled in. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman will likely experiment in upcoming preseason games before deciding on a new partnership.
Protecting Herbert, who was sacked 41 times last year, was a major focus for Harbaugh and Roman heading into the 2025 season. It’s a big year for Herbert, who has yet to win a playoff game, something Harbaugh is eager to change.
The quarterback endured an infamous postseason debut in 2022, when the Chargers failed to defend a 27-point lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars and suffered one of the most brutal defeats in NFL history. Herbert failed to make amends last season.
During a humiliating defeat to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, Herbert threw four interceptions. Still, Herbert is considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league.
The Chargers rewarded him with a blockbuster five-year, $262.5 million extension in 2023. Now, the Chargers will look to offer him the best protection without Slater on the active roster.
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