Getty Image
Anecdotally, it seems like the Los Angeles Chargers franchise has more injuries to key players over the years than any other. It just seems like every promising season is eventually derailed by costly injuries to key players.
The Chargers looked great in the first two games of the season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, starting 2-0. But, the injury bug bit them in a big way in their 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
The Chargers entered yesterday’s tilt against the also-undefeated Steelers at 2-0. But, Justin Herbert was already battling an ankle injury going in, and things only got worse on the injury front after that.
Coming into the game, Los Angeles had arguably the best tackle duo in the game in 4th-year star Rashawn Slater and top-ten pick Joe Alt, who hit the ground running to start his rookie year.
Now, both are hurt. Rashawn Slater left the game and has a strained pectoral muscle. While he may not miss much, if any, time, it will almost certainly hamper his effectiveness.
More importantly is an injury to Alt. He came into the league playing at a Pro Bowl level. But, he suffered a sprained MCL on Sunday. According to Ian Rapoport, he won’t need surgery. But, he will miss some time with that injury and that will certainly hamper his development.
To add on to all of that, Justin Herbert left the game in the second half after aggravating his ankle injury. His status for next week is unknown, but it’s certainly not good for Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers that their franchise quarterback is already hampered.
Eventually, this franchise will have some luck. But, it doesn’t appear like that’s happening any time soon.