Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Chargers Face O-Line Blow to Chase First Harbaugh Playoff Win
The Los Angeles Chargers have won 11 games in each of the last two seasons.
However, they have not yet won a playoff game with coach Jim Harbaugh or quarterback Justin Herbert.
Their offensive line just lost center Tyler Biadasz for the entire season because of a knee injury.
A rookie named Jake Slaughter may now have to play center.
The team also needs its important tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, to stay healthy.
Running back Omarion Hampton is expected to lead the rushing attack after an injury-shortened rookie season.
New coordinators Mike McDaniel and Chris O’Leary will run the offense and defense.
The Chargers hope these changes help them reach the playoffs and win there.
The Chargers finished 11-6 for a second consecutive season but still seek their first playoff victory under Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert.
Center Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending knee injury during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers.
Rookie Jake Slaughter is expected to take over at center, while Akheem Mesidor and Kayode Awosika are candidates for other offensive-line roles.
Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and running back Omarion Hampton are expected to provide major boosts after missing time with injuries last season.
New coordinators Mike McDaniel and Chris O’Leary will oversee an offense seeking better protection and a defense expected to retain its aggressive identity.
- Who
- The Los Angeles Chargers, coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert.
- What
- The Chargers are preparing for the season while dealing with a season-ending injury to center Tyler Biadasz and seeking their first playoff win under Harbaugh.
- When
- Ahead of the upcoming season and its opener; Biadasz was injured during training camp.
- Where
- Los Angeles; Biadasz was injured during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers.
- Why
- The Chargers want to turn consecutive 11-win regular seasons into a playoff run, but must address offensive-line health and improve protection for Herbert.
- Record
- The Chargers finished 11-6 in each of the past two seasons.
- Playoff objective
- Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert are seeking their first playoff victory with the Chargers.
- Major injury
- Center Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending knee injury during a joint camp practice.
- Replacement candidate
- Rookie Jake Slaughter is expected to move to center after initially working at guard.
- Offensive focus
- The Chargers want to improve their running game and protect Herbert, who faced a league-high total of pressures last season.
- Key returnees
- Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Omarion Hampton are returning after missing significant time last season.
- Coaching changes
- Mike McDaniel is the offensive coordinator and Chris O’Leary is the defensive coordinator.