Chargers get brutal injury diagnosis on Joe Alt after Titans win

The Los Angeles Chargers secured a crucial victory against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, helping them stay competitive in the tight AFC West race. But the win came with a hefty price, as the team got some troubling news about star offensive tackle Joe Alt’s health. During the second quarter of the game, Alt had to leave the field after a Titans defender landed on his right leg. It was clear straight away that the injury was serious—Alt needed to be carted off, and fans feared the worst. Adding to the worry, Alt had already missed some time this season due to an ankle sprain. Now, it’s confirmed that he’s facing even more time away from the field because of this new injury. On Monday, reports from ESPN’s Chargers insider Kris Rhim revealed that Alt will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. He’s scheduled for surgery to fix a high-ankle injury, a setback that’s huge for the Chargers. This diagnosis is a tough blow not only because of Alt’s importance on the offensive line, but also because the team had already lost another key tackle, Rashawn Slater, to a season-ending injury before the year even started. Losing both Alt and Slater leaves a big hole protecting their quarterback, Justin Herbert. This season, Herbert has struggled with pressure, getting sacked the third most in the NFL behind only Cam Ward and Drake Maye. Without Alt and Slater, keeping Herbert upright has become an even bigger challenge. The Chargers had already been exploring trade options to bolster their offensive line even before Alt’s injury. With the trade deadline coming up Tuesday, it’s likely they’ll be more aggressive in pursuing reinforcements to help protect their franchise QB. Alt’s injury also raises questions about how the Chargers will adjust their game plan moving forward, especially as they prepare for a tough Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The combined absence of two premier tackles threatens their offensive stability and could impact the team’s overall trajectory this year. Chargers fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what moves the front office makes in response. In summary, while the Chargers managed to stay in the AFC West fight with their win over the Titans, the news about Joe Alt’s injury dampens the optimism. The team faces an uphill battle to keep Herbert protected and maintain offensive efficiency without two of their top offensive linemen. How they address this adversity will likely shape the remainder of their 2025 campaign.