Jim Harbaugh: Losing Rashawn Slater for season

A day after shedding the cornerstone of their offensive line, the temper around the Chargers’ training facility remained the same — somber.

“It’s like a gut punch into the solar plexus — takes the wind out of you,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Don’t really have the words or am able to think about anything else. Man, just feel bad.”

It was the first day of shifting ahead with a new-look offensive line after studying Rashawn Slater ruptured his patellar tendon — an injury that will require him to bear season-ending surgical procedure.

Even with the need to transfer ahead, Slater remained on everybody’s thoughts. Harbaugh said he was assured Slater would overcome the setback.

“I also know how he’ll attack the rehab and train, and he’ll be back,” Harbaugh said. “Not this season, but I know he’ll be back.”

For Joe Alt — the other half of one of the best offensive deal with duos in the NFL — it was troublesome to settle for that the person who mentored him during his rookie season last yr wouldn’t be taking part in in 2025.

“I’m praying for him,” Alt said. “I know what he’s going to do. I know he’s going to recover and he’s going to attack it and be back better than ever.”

The mindset in the offensive line room has shifted with Slater out. They are decided to keep centered on honoring him through their play.

“We’re brothers,” Alt said. “Yes, one fell down, and the goal is to play as well as five is one, and the only way we can do that is by moving forward and playing the best we can, to do what he would want us to do.”

Trey Pipkins III, who has moved into a potential beginning function at proper deal with because of the injury, said he spoke with Slater, whose “spirits are as good as they can be,” including Slater was “joking around a little.”

Slater’s absence presents an alternative for Pipkins, who is in the ultimate yr of his contract and returning to a place he performed for his first 5 seasons before a temporary shift to guard last season.

While Harbaugh said nothing is set, Pipkins — who began at proper deal with in both 2022 and 2023 — will get the first look at the spot. Jamaree Salyer, who Harbaugh praised for a strong exhibiting throughout camp, also might problem for the beginning function.

For now, the offensive line consists of Alt shifting to left deal with, Zion Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at heart, Mekhi Becton at proper guard and Pipkins at proper deal with, according to Harbaugh.

With the loss of depth on the offensive line, the crew plans to explore the free-agent market and expects to carry in gamers for exercises Saturday before the preseason recreation against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Najee Harris’ standing stays unclear

A possible return timeline for operating back Najee Harris, who has been on the non-football injury/sickness checklist since a July 4 fireworks incident, stays unclear.

Harris started strolling laps at follow on Aug. 2, carrying a helmet with a visor and cleats, but has yet to progress additional in his recovery. Harbaugh remained imprecise about when Harris would possibly follow or play for the Chargers.

When requested if Harris could be prepared for the Chargers’ season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil — which Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, said he expects — Harbaugh replied, “There is a chance.”

Like with most participant injury updates, Harbaugh deferred to his lack of medical experience when requested if the injury was still just “superficial,” as first reported, or one thing more critical.

Two days in the past, Harris posted a photograph on Snapchat exhibiting his left eye fully shut, captioned: “WE AT IT.”

“I don’t comment on it because I am not a doctor,” Harbaugh said. “I’m not Mr. Harris’ agent, either. I’m talking about what I know, and can he open his eye? Yeah. I’ve looked into his eye.”