Chargers Place Rashawn Slater On IR After Ankle Surgery
Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater had surgery Thursday for a high ankle sprain and will go on injured reserve, sidelining him at least four games. The procedure is intended to speed his recovery, but Los Angeles is 0-4 and faces a difficult stretch. Slater, 27, has now dealt with major injuries in multiple seasons, including a biceps tear in 2022 and a patellar tendon tear that cost him 2025.
Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles' left tackle, will miss at least four games after going on injured reserve. He hurt his ankle in Week 4 and had surgery Thursday; the tightrope operation is meant to shorten his recovery.
The 27-year-old, a 2021 first-round pick, previously lost 14 games in 2022 to a biceps tear and all of 2025 to a patellar tendon tear. The Chargers are 0-4 and now face Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams, Houston and Baltimore.
The injury may affect Chargers teammates, coaches, and fans, who could see the offense struggle without its veteran left tackle. It may also shape how the organization plans for a premium position, especially given Slater's injury history and contract. For NFL followers and local businesses tied to game days, a difficult season could dampen excitement, though the impact likely remains limited to the sports sphere.