After a 2025 season filled with injuries and inconsistent play up front, the Chargers made several moves designed to give Justin Herbert better protection and create more stability in the running game.
For a while, it looked like the team had accomplished exactly that. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt were expected to return healthy, giving the Chargers two talented tackles to build around. The team also brought in veteran center Tyler Biadasz on a three-year contract, hoping his experience would finally give the interior of the line some consistency.
Then, once again, injuries changed everything.
Tyler Biadsaz Injury
Biadasz suffered a serious knee injury during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers and was ultimately placed on season-ending injured reserve. The injury is a major setback for a Chargers team that specifically brought him in to stabilize the center position.
Now, the Chargers are turning to rookie Jake Slaughter at center. The second-round pick out of Florida was originally competing for the starting left guard position, but Biadasz’s injury completely changed his role. Slaughter now has the opportunity to take over one of the most important positions on the offensive line before even playing his first regular-season game.
What will the interior line look like
That move also creates another question at left guard. Kayode Awosika has emerged as the current leader for the starting job. With offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel stating "It's almost his job to lose” via Chargers.com. While Trey Pipkins III has also received additional work at the position. Pipkins versatility could become extremely important as the Chargers try to build enough depth to survive another season of injuries. The Chargers still have plenty of talent on the outside. Slater remains one of the most important pieces of the offense, while Alt has the potential to become one of the league’s best young offensive tackles. If both players can remain healthy, Los Angeles should have a much stronger foundation than it had a year ago.
The biggest concern, however, is the interior of the line. Losing Biadasz means the Chargers are now relying on a rookie to handle the center position, while the team is still trying to figure
out exactly who will win the left guard job. That creates plenty of uncertainty heading into the regular season.
For Slaughter, this is an opportunity that could define his rookie season. He was already expected to play an important role after being selected in the second round, but nobody expected him to become the starting center this quickly. He will now be responsible for helping protect Herbert while also becoming one of the leaders of the offensive line.
The Chargers cannot afford to have another season where injuries constantly force the unit to change. Herbert is entering another season with high expectations, and the offense will need a dependable offensive line if Los Angeles wants to make a serious run in the AFC. The talent is
there, but the Chargers once again have questions up front. Whether Slaughter can handle the pressure, whether the guard position settles down, and whether the team can finally stay healthy could determine just how successful this offense becomes in 2026.
