Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater saw the field for the first time since January 2025, and he was back to his old self.
The 27-year-old Pro Bowler tore his patellar tendon a month before the 2025 season, missing all of last season. Slater's return proved to be vital for the Chargers and their offensive line, despite the difficulties they faced on Sunday against the Cardinals.
Slater was back to his All-Pro ways.
In 55 snaps, Slater allowed only two pressures, no sacks, a Pro Football Focus grade of 76.3 overall, a 73.1 PFF pass-blocking grade, and an 87.4 run-blocking grade.
While Slater was stellar in his return after 610 days away from the game, the Chargers did not look like a playoff team. They barely looked competitive.
After the contest,
Slater said he doesn't expect the team we saw Sunday to be the team we will see as the season progresses.
"It's Week 1, not to make an excuse but at the same time, I don't think we'll be looking at Week 1 come Week 16," Slater said.
Slater will continue to play a major role in the Chargers' offense and remain one of their top players on that side of the ball.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Rashawn Slater looks like elite self after 610-day hiatus
