Rashawn Slater’s practice absences have started to draw more attention, but for now the Chargers still appear to be in caution mode rather than crisis mode.
The star left tackle first went into the medical tent during the Chargers’ first padded practice of training camp last week. At the time, it didn’t look like a major issue.
Slater came back out, worked on pass protection, and even took part in the team’s post-practice workout. He was also back on the field the next day, which made it seem like the Chargers had dodged a real scare.
That’s why the current stretch has raised eyebrows. Slater has now missed three straight practices, and while there has been no reported setback and the team has not said he suffered a serious injury, that kind of absence is going to get noticed given his recent history.
Especially after the season-ending torn patellar tendon that wiped out his 2025 season.
The Chargers were upbeat about his recovery going into this offseason, and Slater had been moving in the right direction. He even said this summer that he was feeling great during his return to the field. That makes the team’s approach now pretty straightforward: there’s no reason to force anything in August.
The goal is the regular season, not training camp reps. If the medical staff thinks he needs more time, the Chargers should give it to him.
At the same time, being careful is not the same as dealing with a fresh major problem. Jim Harbaugh already said Slater was on track in his recovery, and there still hasn’t been any report of a new significant injury.
Still, the longer he sits, the more people are going to ask questions.
And the concern is understandable. The Chargers need Slater.
Their offensive line is supposed to look a lot better with him and Joe Alt healthy, plus Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange and the other additions they made this offseason. Slater is arguably the biggest piece of that group.
So yes, there’s some concern. But there’s no reason to panic yet.
A few missed practices in camp do not equal another season-ending injury. Unless the Chargers say otherwise or Slater stays out much longer, this looks more like the team protecting one of its most important players than something far more serious.
After last year, though, everybody will be watching closely when he gets back.
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