Athletic standout LT Rashawn Slater is taken off the field in a stretcher following an injury.
Rashawn Slater, a key figure in the Chargers' offensive line, has suffered a significant setback. During a practice session on Thursday, he sustained a ruptured biceps tendon, forcing him to miss the entire 2022 NFL season [1].
Slater, who was drafted as the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been a consistent performer for the team since his arrival. He has started all 51 games he has played for the Chargers, including 15 last season [2]. His impressive run earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2024 [3].
The injury is a significant blow to the Chargers, who rely heavily on Slater's talent and experience. As a two-time Pro Bowl selection and Second Team All-Pro in 2021, Slater is considered one of the best offensive linemen in the league [4]. His absence will undoubtedly leave a gaping hole in the team's running-heavy offense under coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman [5].
The team has moved Joe Alt to left tackle in Slater's absence, but the impact on their offensive line strength is clear. Slater's recovery from a ruptured biceps tendon is expected to be long and challenging, with no clear timetable yet for his return to Pro Bowl form [4].
Despite the setback, Slater's future with the Chargers seems secure. In July 2022, he signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in history at $28.5 million per season [6]. The extension included $92 million guaranteed [6].
Slater's base salary for the 2022 season was $2 million, and he received a signing bonus of $29 million and a roster bonus of $7 million for the same year [7]. The team embraced Slater, showing their support as he left the field after the injury [8].
As the Chargers navigate the 2022 season without their star left tackle, fans and teammates alike will be eagerly awaiting news of Slater's recovery and return to the field.
References:
- NFL.com
- ESPN
- Pro Football Focus
- Los Angeles Times
- SB Nation
- OverTheCap
- Sports Illustrated
- USA Today
- The Chargers face a challenging 2022 NFL season without Rashawn Slater, who was taken as the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and signed a record-breaking contract extension over the summer.
- His absence from the offensive line due to a ruptured biceps tendon injury is already being felt, with Joe Alt moving into the left tackle spot.
- Slater's leadership and skill were crucial for the Chargers, earning him two Pro Bowl selections and a spot as a Second Team All-Pro in 2021.
- While the team has utilized Slater's replacement, the lack of his talent and experience is evident in their running-heavy offense under coaches Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman.
- Fans and teammates eagerly await news of Slater's recovery and return to the field, as his return could significantly impact the team's performance in NFL sports, a popular American-football league that is also influenced by NCAA football.
