The offensive line is going to be a focal point for the Los Angeles Chargers for the next few weeks. The Chargers lost Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater for the entire season after he suffered a torn patellar tendon during training camp. In Week 4, offensive tackle Joe Alt suffered a high-ankle sprain that will keep him sidelined for several weeks.
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Those injuries are concerning for a Chargers offensive line that has allowed star quarterback Justin Herbert to be sacked 12 times this season, the ninth-most sacks given up in the league through the first four weeks. Keeping Herbert upright and healthy is a priority if Los Angeles wants to stay atop the competitive AFC West.
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Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, offensive coordinator Greg Roman told the media on Thursday that Herbert is taking too many hits early in the season. He thinks the offensive line needs to play better, but also thinks Herbert needs to adjust his style so he doesn’t absorb so many blows.
“Absolutely not. He’s getting hit too much, too many unnecessary hits,” Roman said of Herbert. “There’s gonna be some. But not that many. And he can help that, too. But it starts with everybody.”
There’s only so much the Chargers can do to protect Herbert with a patchwork offensive line. 2022 sixth-round pick Austin Deculus, who has made one career start back in 2023, earned reps with the first team on Thursday with Alt not participating in practice. Offensive guard Mekhi Becton is still in the concussion protocol, though he did some individual drills.
Herbert is going to have to choose his time to play hero ball until the offensive line can prove they’re able to give the Pro Bowl quarterback time to hold onto the ball and wait for a talented receiver corps to bust coverage. Roman will need to rely on a strong running scheme and dial up some quick passes to help protect Herbert.
With their impressive 27-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, Los Angeles has shown they can be a threat to win the AFC. But they’ll only go as far as a healthy Herbert can take them.
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