Rashawn Slater Suffers Devastating Knee Injury

The Los Angeles Chargers received devastating news this week with the announcement that their star left tackle, Rashawn Slater, will miss the entire 2025 season. Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon during Thursday’s practice, the team confirmed—a crushing blow to both the player and the franchise. The injury is especially disheartening considering Slater had just signed a monumental four-year, $114 million contract extension the previous week, solidifying his status as the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

The freak accident occurred during an 11-on-11 drill when another player inadvertently fell onto Slater’s left leg, leaving him unable to continue. He will undergo surgery to repair the tendon, sidelining him for the entirety of the upcoming campaign.

Slater, selected as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, quickly established himself as an indispensable component of the Chargers’ offensive line. His impact was immediate and profound; as a rookie, he started all 16 games, earning first-team All-Rookie honors and a Pro Bowl selection—a testament to his exceptional talent and maturity.

Since his arrival, Slater has anchored the Chargers’ offensive line, starting 35 games and consistently delivering high-caliber performances. Last season was no exception, as he once again demonstrated his dominance in pass protection. According to TruMedia, Slater conceded just three sacks on 510 pass-blocking snaps, earning him his second Pro Bowl appearance.

Unfortunately, this injury marks the second time in the past four seasons that Slater will be sidelined for a significant period. In 2023, he suffered a torn bicep during a Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. The Chargers will now have to find a way to replace his exceptional talent and leadership on the offensive line as they navigate the 2025 season without their star left tackle.