Chargers Injury Worries Grow Ahead of Season

The Los Angeles Chargers remain cautious with Rashawn Slater as he continues to deal with a knee flare-up from his surgically repaired left knee, with coach Jim Harbaugh saying he’d work off to the sides and is expected back this weekend. He will miss the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, though the Chargers intend to give their starters some playing time in that matchup. The team has framed the issue as a precautionary phase after Slater’s earlier return from major knee surgery, while noting the same knee had caused a temporary setback in training camp. The injury situation was underscored by a separate scare when starting center Tyler Biadasz was carted off during practice, heightening the urgency of getting Slater back. Slater has described the issue as not major and focused on gradual, careful progress ahead of the regular season, with the Chargers prioritizing continuity on the offensive line for quarterback Justin Herbert. As the team installs a new blocking scheme under Mike McDaniel, Slater’s health remains critical to the unit’s stability and depth heading into Week 1.