Following a promising rookie season in 2024, Joe Alt looked like he had the momentum on his side in the sophomore year before an ankle injury sidelined him for the rest of the campaign. Despite playing just 6 games, his promising display on the gridiron earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
After seven months of recovery, the offensive tackle recently made a comeback to the OTAs of the Detroit Lions, sharing an encouraging update.
“It’s been a slow progression since the injury moving on,” Alt said recently. “I’m running now, but it’s just kind of that slow progression to where I am now.”
The OT currently doesn’t have any medical restrictions, meaning he is 100% cleared by the doctors. However, he is taking things slowly. After doing the basic offseason running during the recovery phase, he fully participated in the recent OTA sessions with the team, running and hitting at full speed, which is certainly a positive sign for Jim Harbaugh.
Joe Alt Is Confident to Be Ready During the Chargers’ Training Camp
While he is medically cleared, he has not officially discussed it with the franchise’s doctors to determine his exact post-injury schedule. As per the 23-year-old, he “doesn’t expect it to be a problem” to participate in the training camp, which is slated to begin on July 17. Hence, he will get six more weeks to have additional recovery.
His latest comment also aligned with the head coach Jim Harbaugh’s remarks about the Pro Bowler’s recovery from late May, when the 62-year-old suggested that there was no major concern about why the offensive tackle could not be ready for the training camp in July.
“It looks that way.” said Jim when he was asked whether the OT would be ready for the training camp.
During the recent OTAs, he participated in full 11-on-11 team drills, helping him build chemistry in the new offense led by the new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel. A healthy Joe Alt could play a crucial role in the O-line in the 2026 campaign alongside Rashawn Slater, who is also set to come back from an injury.
Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt Are Set To Lead The Chargers O-Line In 2026
Rashawn Slater, who has been with the Chargers since 2021, is an integral part of their offensive line. The left tackle missed the entire 2025 campaign after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. Hence, Jim Harbaugh played a majority of the last season without his two key offensive players.
Things are taking a positive turn this year, as the 27-year-old has completely healed from his knee injury, taking part in the Chargers’ OTAs. He is ready to feature in the Chargers’ O-line alongside Alt, and their combination can be a nightmare for any defense.
Slater is a Pro-Bowler, winning it in 2021 and 2024. The duo already played together in the 2024 season, so they already have good on-field chemistry. Given that both are elite pass protectors at the tackle, the Chargers will have the advantage of giving them a free hand in solo battles against the edge rushers. They will be joined by other starters: left guard Jake Slaughter, center Tyler Biadasz, and right guard Cole Strange.
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