EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon in practice Thursday and will miss the upcoming season.
He’ll undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve, the team said.
Slater on July 27 signed a four-year, $113 million extension that included $92 million guaranteed. The guaranteed amount is the most ever for an NFL offensive lineman.
Slater went down in team drills after going up against edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. As Slater planted his left foot, he collapsed to the ground and immediately grabbed his leg.
A quiet hush fell over the Chargers facility while Slater stayed down for several minutes before trainers and teammates helped him onto a cart. Slater appeared visibly distraught — throwing his helmet, slamming his hand on the cart and burying his face in his hands. Several teammates walked over to console him before he left the field.
Two trainers supported him as he entered the team facility. He was unable to put any weight on his left leg.
Slater’s teammates came up to hug him before he was carted off the field.
“We’re praying for him, man. We hope he’s doing well,” Tuipulotu said. “That’s just something you don’t want to see.”
Slater, 26, has started all 52 career games at left tackle since the Chargers selected him with the 13th pick in the 2021 draft. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Slater has been Justin Herbert’s main protector, allowing the quarterback to set several leaguewide passing records.
Last season, Slater’s presence helped the offense commit a franchise-record eight turnovers, tying for the second-fewest offensive turnovers in a season in NFL history.
Tribune news services contributed.