Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returning for OTAs is a huge boost for the Chargers. With major question marks at guard, the offensive line—and the success of the offense—will depend heavily on their ability to anchor the edges.
The first day of OTAs always brings a sense of cautious optimism, but for the Chargers, this one felt a little different. After what felt like a cursed 2025 season along the offensive line, simply seeing Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back on the field was a win in itself.
According to Daniel Popper, both tackles were present and participating as the Chargers kicked off offseason workouts—an encouraging sign for a team that desperately needs stability up front.
And make no mistake, stability starts—and maybe ends—with those two.
Last season exposed just how fragile the Chargers’ offensive line could be. Slater, a proven cornerstone and former All-Pro caliber left tackle, missed the entire year after suffering a torn patellar tendon. Meanwhile, Alt—who stepped in and showed flashes of exactly why he was drafted so high—also saw his season cut short due to injury.
The result? A revolving door up front, inconsistent protection for Justin Herbert and an offense that never quite found its rhythm.
That’s why this OTA moment matters more than it usually would in April.
If both Slater and Alt are healthy—and that’s still a big “if”—the Chargers suddenly have one of the most promising tackle duos in the league. Slater has already proven he can anchor the blind side at an elite level when healthy. Alt, on the other hand, brings size, athleticism and versatility, having already shown he can flip sides when needed.
But here’s the reality: the Chargers are going to need them to be more than just good—they need them to be great.
Because the interior of the offensive line is still a question mark.
There’s uncertainty at guard, and while the team has options, none feel like sure things right now. That puts even more pressure on the tackles to hold things together. It’s not just about protecting Herbert’s blind side—it’s about setting the tone for the entire offense. If Alt and Slater can consistently win on the edges, it masks a lot of issues inside.
We’ve seen it before around the league. Elite tackle play can elevate an entire unit. It gives quarterbacks confidence, opens up play-calling and allows offenses to stay balanced.
That’s exactly what the Chargers are hoping for.
There’s also the added layer of the new offensive system. With changes in philosophy and a likely emphasis on timing, rhythm and getting the ball out quickly, having reliable bookend tackles becomes even more important. It’s hard to install anything effectively if your quarterback is constantly under pressure.
So yes, it’s only OTAs. No pads. No real contact. Plenty of time before Week 1.
But seeing Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater on the field together again is more than just a good sign—it’s the foundation of what this Chargers team could be in 2026.
If they stay healthy, everything else becomes a lot easier.
If they don’t, we may be having the exact same conversation a year from now.