Los Angeles Chargers Left Tackle Joe Alt Ruled Out Against Washington Commanders Due to High Ankle Sprain

The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a significant challenge ahead of their game against the Washington Commanders, as left tackle Joe Alt has been ruled out due to a high right ankle sprain. The injury occurred during the team’s Week 4 loss to the New York Giants, when Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux fell into Alt’s right leg during a play in the first quarter. Alt was forced to exit the game on a medical cart and has been walking around the locker room with a walking boot. Coach Jim Harbaugh has stated that he doesn’t know if Alt will land on injured reserve, but the team is working to “get back as fast as we can.” The Chargers know who they will start at left tackle on Sunday, but Harbaugh has declined to reveal the player’s identity, saying “we’ll just keep that to ourselves” and that the team has a “good plan” in place.

Impact on the Team’s Offense

The absence of Joe Alt is expected to have a significant impact on the Chargers’ offense, particularly in terms of protecting quarterback Justin Herbert. In the team’s Week 4 loss to the Giants, Herbert was hit 13 times and sacked twice, according to TruMedia. Alt’s replacement, Austin Deculus, struggled to contain the Giants’ pass rush, allowing six pressures in his 37 pass-blocking snaps. The next closest were guards Zion Johnson and Jamaree Salyer, who allowed four each. Herbert has already been one of the NFL’s most pressured quarterbacks, with opponents hitting him 47 times this season, the second most in the NFL.

Injury Update

In addition to Joe Alt, wide receiver Derius Davis has also been ruled out with a knee injury. Cornerback Tarheeb Still will continue to return punts in Davis’ place. Right guard Mekhi Becton, who missed last week’s game against the Giants with a concussion, is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol but has just one final step to clear to play on Sunday. Becton is officially listed as questionable and was a full participant in Friday’s practice after being limited on Wednesday and Thursday.

Key highlights of the Chargers’ injury update include:
* Joe Alt ruled out with a high right ankle sprain
* Derius Davis ruled out with a knee injury
* Tarheeb Still to continue returning punts in Davis’ place
* Mekhi Becton still in concussion protocol but close to clearance
* Austin Deculus expected to start at left tackle in Alt’s place

Coach Harbaugh’s Plan

Coach Jim Harbaugh has stated that the team has a “good plan” in place to address the absence of Joe Alt, but has declined to reveal the identity of the player who will start at left tackle on Sunday. Harbaugh said “we’ll just keep that to ourselves” and emphasized that the team is working to “get back as fast as we can.” The Chargers’ offense will need to adapt quickly to the loss of Alt, who has been a key player in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert.

Quotes from Coach Harbaugh

“We’ll just keep that to ourselves,” Harbaugh said when asked about the team’s plan at left tackle. “We have a good plan. We’re working to get back as fast as we can.” Harbaugh also stated that the team knows who they will start at left tackle on Sunday, but declined to reveal the player’s identity.

Data on the Chargers’ offense with and without Joe Alt includes:
* 13 hits and 2 sacks allowed in Week 4 loss to Giants
* 47 hits on quarterback Justin Herbert this season, 2nd most in NFL
* 6 pressures allowed by Austin Deculus in 37 pass-blocking snaps

Conclusion:
The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a significant challenge ahead of their game against the Washington Commanders, as left tackle Joe Alt has been ruled out due to a high right ankle sprain. The team’s offense will need to adapt quickly to the loss of Alt, who has been a key player in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert. With the absence of Alt and wide receiver Derius Davis, the Chargers will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the gaps. Coach Jim Harbaugh has stated that the team has a “good plan” in place, but the outcome of the game remains to be seen.

Keywords: Los Angeles Chargers, Joe Alt, Washington Commanders, NFL, injury update, Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert, Mekhi Becton, Derius Davis, Tarheeb Still, Austin Deculus, left tackle, quarterback, offense, defense, football, sports.

Hashtags: #LosAngelesChargers #NFL #InjuryUpdate #JoeAlt #WashingtonCommanders #JimHarbaugh #JustinHerbert #MekhiBecton #DeriusDavis #TarheebStill #AustinDeculus #Football #Sports



Source link