The consensus view of the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line has long been one of strength on paper--a unit anchored by two first-round tackles, a veteran Pro Bowl center, and a rebuilt interior line, all under the guidance of head coach Jim Harbaugh, who built his reputation on controlling the line of scrimmage. Most coverage to date has treated this unit as a settled, ready product for the 2026 season.
However, that outlook has been premature until now. Only this week did the two most critical pieces of the line, tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, take part in individual drills during the Chargers' 2026 organized team activities (OTAs). This development moves far beyond previous expectations, which projected their readiness by training camp but did not yet show tangible on-field action in 2026.
The significance of Alt and Slater working through position drills at OTAs is paramount. It marks their transition from rehab rooms and conditioning equipment to grass, cleats, and football drills. This is especially important given that the Chargers reshaped their entire right-side offensive line structure during the offseason. Watching both tackles share the field, even in these controlled drills, offers the first real indication that the Chargers' revamped offensive line plan may hold.
Joe Alt comes off ankle surgery--specifically, a procedure on the critical joint anchoring his plant foot, crucial for every pass-protection set and drive off the line for the foreseeable future. Alt himself has expressed confidence that his ankle will not impede his availability by training camp. More importantly, his presence in June live drills signals strong progress, as the team could have opted to keep him sidelined without stirring concern.
Rashawn Slater faces a different but equally challenging hurdle: a kneecap injury. The demands on a tackle's knees are intense--every snap requires extensive explosion, lateral agility, and occasional redirection to counter pass rushers and linebackers. Slater spent the spring focused on careful rehabilitation and has previously missed playing time due to injuries, including much of the 2023 season. His participation in individual drills now supports expectations that he will be cleared for full training camp activity.
This week's OTA participation yield newfound clarity for head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz. Before this, they lacked a confident projection of their Week 1 starting offensive line, particularly at tackle. While the center position is settled with Tyler Biadasz and guard rotations locked in among Cole Strange, Kayode Awosika, and Ben Cleveland, the tackle spots were in flux. Setbacks to either Alt or Slater would force reliance on Trey Pipkins III, the team's swing tackle, as a full-time starter--a scenario that could jeopardize the team's run-game posture and offensive consistency.
With Alt and Slater back on the grass together, the Chargers regain a crucial advantage. Entering his third season, Alt demonstrated enough upside as a rookie to justify his first-round draft capital, even if his raw stats don't capture his impact. Slater, embarking on his sixth NFL year, remains the veteran cornerstone of the line. Healthy and paired side by side, these two represent a premium bookend tackle duo that few NFL teams possess. Alt's ability to shift to right tackle complements Slater's natural placement on the left, providing balance and elite protection for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Still, it is important to temper enthusiasm with a dose of realistic scrutiny. While OTA participation is positive, these drills do not simulate high-contact gameplay. Neither player faced live bull rushes or contact from defenders, nor did they launch explosive blocks against moving linebackers. The controlled environment lowers injury risk and helps ease players back into football activity, but the real test comes when pads go on in training camp.
Until then, the offensive line remains a promising projection rather than a guarantee. This week's developments solely increase confidence that the lineup will coalesce as planned.
Beyond the physical health of the tackles, this news impacts broader Chargers strategy. Successful run-blocking, a foundational pillar of Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme, demands linemen capable of sustaining blocks over multiple counts--something at-risk if tackles cannot perform at full strength. Passing schemes relying on play action also depend on tackles holding the edge long enough to enable Herbert to find his targets downfield.
Looking ahead, the Chargers appear poised to have both Alt and Slater fully participating by the second week of training camp. The medical and coaching staffs are managing their ramp-up carefully, signaling confidence. However, the team must continue preparing contingency plans. Pipkins needs meaningful preseason reps at right tackle, and depth along the interior line must be tested thoroughly, to mitigate risks should injuries sidelined either tackle once again.
The Chargers' current +1600 Super Bowl odds at DraftKings hinge largely on the offensive line's durability. Any setback to Alt or Slater could prompt a swift reassessment of the team's prospects.
For now, the chief takeaway is that the Chargers' prized tackles have returned to OTA drills. While this is not the finished product fans hope to see, it stands as the clearest and most hopeful signal that their offensive line may indeed be ready when the season starts.
The true evaluation, however, awaits the padded battles of training camp where live-contact snaps will confirm whether Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater can hold their blocks and anchor an improved Chargers offense.
