This story is developing. We will continue to update this article with official medical findings, practice designations, and timelines as soon as more information is revealed by the team.
Chargers right tackle Joe Alt suffered a neck injury during the second quarter of Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, forcing him to leave the game early.
Alt was initially evaluated as questionable to return but was officially downgraded to out after halftime. Rookie Travis Burke stepped in at right tackle for the remainder of the contest. Head coach Jim Harbaugh did not provide an immediate post-game update regarding the severity of the neck issue.
Throughout the game, the injuries along the offensive line piled up at a high rate.
Left tackle Rashawn Slater left the
game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury and was later seen in a protective walking boot and using a cane. Reports indicate it is believed to be a multi-week high-ankle sprain.
Left guard Trevor Penning was forced out of action in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.
By the end of regulation, right guard Cole Strange was the only remaining regular starter on the field, surrounded by four rookies (Burke, Logan Taylor, Jake Slaughter, and Jacob Spomer) trying to protect quarterback Justin Herbert.
With Slater expected to miss multiple weeks, the coaching staff faces a major vacancy. If Alt is healthy, he could move to left tackle, and play Burke, the fourth-round pick, at right tackle, or vice versa.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Joe Alt injury: Latest updates on Chargers offensive tackle
