NFL Rumors: Chargers' Joe Alt to Miss Time With Sprained MCL; Slater Has Pec Injury

The Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with a pair of injuries on their offensive line ahead of Week 3's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, rookie offensive tackle Joe Alt suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers while offensive tackle Rashawn Slater has a strained pec.

Rapoport noted that Alt won't have to have surgery, but he will miss some time due to the injury. It's not clear whether Slater's injury will force him to miss any time.

Alt, the Chargers' fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft out of Notre Dame, has started all three games this season, playing 172 offensive snaps and recording a 77.0 PFF grade. He didn't allow a sack or a pressure while facing Maxx Crosby or Jadeveon Clowney, though he did finally give up his first sack against T.J. Watt and the Steelers.

While it's certainly good news that he won't have to have surgery, Los Angeles will miss the outstanding rookie as it takes on the Chiefs this week.

With one member of the offensive line out for Sunday's contest, the Chargers will hope Slater's injury isn't enough to keep him off the field. Slater, who is in his fourth season with Los Angeles, has played 156 offensive snaps this year, notching an 81.7 PFF grade.

The Chargers are off to a 2-1 start this season, taking down the Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers in Weeks 1 and 2 before losing to the Steelers as quarterback Justin Herbert exited early with an ankle injury.