Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a ruptured biceps tendon in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville and is expected to miss the rest of the 2022 season, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
Though not as severe, Bolts defensive end Joey Bosa could also miss some time as head coach Brandon Staley said Monday that the four-time Pro Bowler suffered a significant groin injury on Sunday and is considered week to week. Staley also confirmed that Slater would miss the rest of the regular season.
The news makes Sunday's defeat even more costly.
Slater had a stellar rookie season and entrenched himself as Los Angeles' left tackle of the future, a long-term protector of franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Unfortunately for the Chargers, a week after Herbert suffered a painful rib cartilage injury, his blindside blocker sustained an even more serious injury that will likely end his campaign after just three games.
Slater finished the 2021 season with a strong Pro Football Focus offensive grade of 83.6, and through three weeks, was on his way to an even better second year with a grade of 84, a mark powered by excellent run-blocking ability. Instead of continuing at a strong pace, the biceps injury will end his sophomore season in its first month.
Storm Norton replaced Slater at left tackle and struggled mightily, allowing eight pressures -- the most surrendered by any member of the Chargers on Sunday -- despite playing half of the team's total pass-blocking snaps in the game, per PFF.
L.A. will have to look inward to determine the best course for replacing Slater. Regardless of whom the Chargers choose, the task will be a tall one for a team with playoff aspirations that is suddenly reeling after two straight losses.
Bosa has 1.5 sacks so far this year. He exited Sunday's game in the first half and was ruled out after halftime. If Bosa is to miss significant time, opposing defenses will be able to focus more on stopping defensive end Khalil Mack.