Justin Herbert, Chargers hit with crippling injury news at training camp

Nov 26, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) moves out to pass as offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (70) provides coverage against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 26, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) moves out to pass as offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (70) provides coverage against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Ask most quarterbacks, and they'd rather lose their car keys than a left tackle.

Coming off an 11-6 season last year and a 34-7 win in their preseason opener at the Hall of Fame Game last week, the Chargers felt good about the 2025 season. That is, until Thursday morning when starting left tackle Rashawn Slater was carted off the field with an apparent torn ACL.

Adam Schefter reported the injury for ESPN. Slater recently signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, with $92 million of it guaranteed.

From Sugarland, Texas, the 6-4, 315 two-time Pro Bowler is likely out for the season, a huge loss for Herbert, the Chargers passing game and their chances of returning to the playoffs.

Herbert was sacked a career-high 41 times last season in 504 pass attempts. In his pro career he's played with fractured ribs, a torn labrum, a fractured finger, plantar fasciitis and a high ankle sprain. He missed the last four games in 2023 with a fractured index finger on his throwing hand.

Without Slater to anchor the line at left tackle, the team faces trouble in the AFC West. The Chargers' depth chart doesn't list anyone at backup left tackle.

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