Chargers expected to protect Justin Herbert with four rookie linemen against the Broncos

The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to line up four rookies on their offensive line against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, October 11, after losing both of their established tackles. Adam Schefter reported the projected group on Sunday morning: Logan Taylor at left tackle, Jake Slaughter at left guard, Jacob Spomer at center and Alex Harkey at right tackle.

That leaves right guard Cole Strange as the only veteran expected to start in front of Justin Herbert, and the starting five will not be official until kickoff. Other projections during the week placed some of the rookies at different spots, a sign of how much the Chargers have had to shuffle.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert has gone six straight games without having more touchdown passes than interceptions. And there are even more challenges today. With veteran offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt out today, the Chargers are expected to start four rookies along… pic.twitter.com/ZbuIvrOjX9

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2026

How the line emptied out

Joe Alt was ruled out on Friday with a neck injury. Ian Rapoport reported that the team does not plan to put him on injured reserve, which suggests a short absence. Rashawn Slater is on injured reserve after ankle surgery, guard Kayode Awosika is out with a fibula injury, and tackle Trevor Penning went to injured reserve on Saturday after a concussion. Branson Taylor, who returned from injured reserve the same day, is questionable with a neck injury.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has backed the young group. Asked about the rookies this week, he said: “I saw a confident demeanor, one that was ready to accept the challenge.”

Pressure on Herbert

The timing is poor for a quarterback already in a rut. Schefter noted that Herbert has gone six consecutive games without throwing more touchdown passes than interceptions, and the Chargers are still looking for their first win of the season.

The injury list runs well beyond the line. Safety Derwin James Jr., cornerback Donte Jackson and wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Brenen Thompson are all out, and wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) and tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) are questionable. Backup quarterback Trey Lance was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury.

Denver has absences of its own in the secondary: cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss were ruled out, and Sean Payton has taken back the offensive play-calling.

What comes next

Kickoff at SoFi Stadium is 4:05 p.m. EDT; follow it in the Broncos-Chargers Game Center. The Chargers visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, October 18, at 4:25 p.m. EDT, while Denver hosts the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, October 15, at 8:15 p.m. EDT.