Rashawn Slater injury update: Chargers LT carted off field after signing NFL record contract

Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro offensive tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a left leg injury at Chargers practice on Thursday, reported by The Athletic‘s Daniel Popper. Slater, who signed a massive 4-year, $114 million extension with the Chargers on July 27, was carted inside following the injury.

The Northwestern alum is heading into his fifth NFL season. He was named a Second Team All-Pro in 2021 and was tabbed to the Pro Bowl roster in 2021 and 2024. His loss would be massive for the franchise this close to the season.

Cart is out. Appears to be a left leg issue. He’s being carted inside. Teammates all coming up to hug him. https://t.co/WuH7agLRs4

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 7, 2025

Per Popper, Slater threw his helmet in frustration as the medical cart reached the sideline. He then slammed his hand onto the cart while a trainer placed a towel over his head. Slater was then helped inside their facility by two trainers.

Coming out of Clements High (Sugar Land, TX), Slater) was a three-star prospect (No. 655 ranked player) in the Class of 2017. He committed to Northwestern and played four seasons under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, where he was named Third Team All-Big Ten in 2018.

Slater became highest earning offensive lineman in history last week

Following his stellar collegiate career, the offensive lineman declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the No. 13 pick, beginning his professional football journey. He quickly established himself as a quality left tackle, as he received PFWA All-Rookie Team and Pro-Bowl honors in his first season.

His second season in 2022 however didn’t go as expected, as Slater suffered a season-ending ruptured biceps tendon in a week three matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He returned to form in both 2023 and 2024, as he started and played in 32 of the Chargers’ 34 games. This resulted in the massive extension he received just last week, which made Slater the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

Slater had formed a deadly duo on the offensive line with fellow tackle Joe Alt, who the Chargers selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Alt, just like Slater, was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Los Angeles is coming off an 11-6 season and a trip to the AFC Playoffs in the first season under former 49ers and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. Expectations were high for the Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert this season, but things could quickly go south for the team (and its pass protection) if Slater’s injury is season-ending.