The Los Angeles Chargers are evaluating their options as they prepare to host the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday following their bye week. The team has faced a barrage of injuries this season, particularly along the offensive line, and recently parted ways with rookie offensive tackle Logan Brown.
Chargers fans expressed relief upon seeing a shorter injury report this week, but the team has still struggled with depth since the season-ending injury to all-pro offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during training camp. In response, general manager Joe Hortiz has been actively seeking reinforcements, signing tackles David Sharpe, Foster Sarrell, and Bobby Hart, while also trading for Austin Deculus and Trevor Penning. All these players have seen action on game days this season.
In addition to Slater”s injury, the Chargers have also lost their initial swing tackle turned starting right tackle Trey Pipkins to injury, with backups Austin Deculus, Bobby Hart, and Jamaree Salyer also spending time on the sidelines. The series of season-ending injuries to both starting tackles and the subsequent injuries to the first four backups presents a significant challenge for the Chargers.
With the future in mind, the Chargers could consider developing younger reserve options to enhance their depth. Currently, the team has only five selections in the 2026 draft, necessitating creative approaches to enrich their roster.
Surprisingly, Logan Brown went undrafted in the 2025 draft and has since been on practice squads across the league. His recent release from the Seattle Seahawks raises the question: why would the Chargers show interest in a rookie who was on a practice squad?
Once regarded as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the country, Brown was heavily recruited by Jim Harbaugh during his time at Michigan. As a player with significant potential for development, he could be a worthwhile investment for the Chargers.
While the Chargers need to make space on their practice squad, if Brown demonstrates promise in the closing weeks of the season, he could be a candidate for a futures contract to compete in 2026. The injury struggles have hit the Chargers” offensive line hard this season, and any potential upgrade in depth is something that Joe Hortiz consistently explores as he reshapes the roster.
