The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the NFL’s most surprising teams last season. In Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach, the Chargers finished with a record of 11-6. Coming off a 5-12 campaign the previous year, Harbaugh appeared to have turned things around for a franchise that had long struggled to get out of its own way. One of the few flaws in an otherwise successful season was the offense’s production. The offensive line failed to protect Justin Herbert, leaving the quarterback banged up for much of the year.

During the offseason, general manager Joe Hortiz made a major move by signing one of the biggest free agents on the market, Mekhi Becton, to help bolster the offensive line. Chargers fans applauded the acquisition, especially after seeing how well the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles protected Jalen Hurts. The idea of having Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater anchoring the tackle positions, with Becton strengthening the interior, seemed like a recipe for success.

Fast forward to this season, and it’s been much of the same story. Following a record-breaking contract extension, All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending knee injury. The rest of the offensive line has been a revolving door due to continuous injuries. Despite the Chargers’ hopes for better performance up front, the results have been far from ideal.

Among the biggest disappointments on the offensive line has been newcomer Mekhi Becton. The lone major addition to the unit has been in and out of the lineup with numerous ailments. In the games he has played, Becton has looked far from the productive player he was with the Philadelphia Eagles. According to Pro Football Focus, Becton’s overall grade this season is 41 out of 100, ranking 77th in the league among all guards.

A logical explanation for Becton’s struggles could be his inability to stay on the field. He seems to lack the physical dominance he displayed last season. While he’s been able to return from some of these injuries, their lingering effects may be preventing him from performing at his best. It’s also difficult to find consistency amid a season filled with setbacks.

With nine games remaining on the Chargers’ schedule, there’s still time for Mekhi Becton to turn things around. If he can stay healthy down the stretch, he may be able to regain some of the form and fluidity that made him so effective in the past. For the Los Angeles Chargers to achieve their goals this season, they’ll need contributions from everyone—especially Mekhi Becton.