The worst news imaginable has come to pass.
According to a Chargers spokesperson, star left tackle Joe Alt will undergo season-ending surgery on his ankle he re-injured against the Titans on Sunday. With
roughly five minutes remaining in the second quarter, a Titans pass rusher was being blocked by right tackle Trey Pipkins, and as Pipkins attempt to run him around Herbert, the defender tripped and fell into the back of Alt’s legs who was blocking his man on the other side of the pocket.
Alt has been one of the best offensive linemen in all of football this season and his absence has been felt thoroughly every single game he hasn’t been out there protecting Herbert. With half the season left in front of them, the Chargers will have to do something — anything — to make sure their star quarterback can survive eight more games behind what’s been one of the worst pass-protecting units with their best player.
Will the Chargers make a move for another tackle? Is it even worth it at this point?
At 6-3, the Chargers are right in the thick of the playoff hunt. However, the confidence in making the postseason is astronomically higher with Alt in the lineup than without him. The Bolts have a date with the Steelers next week who just beat the AFC-leading Colts in Week Nine. They still have games against the Chiefs, Texans, Broncos, and Eagles, as well.
In all honesty, it may not be in the Chargers’ best interest to trade away resources when the outlook on the season is at its dimmest. I don’t know if the Bolts are contenders with their offensive line. Contenders are usually buyers at the deadline and there is not an Alt-esque player being made available anytime soon. I think the Chargers should ride out the rest of the season with whom they have and hope for the best. Trading for an eight-game rental at tackle and sending resources out of the building is just not worth it.
But alas. Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh will do what they think is best for the team, whatever that may be.
