NFL Execs Expect Chargers’ Joe Alt to Bounce Back From Injury With Big 2026 Season

Joe Alt was on the sidelines for the majority of the 2025 season. The Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle suffered two high ankle sprains and ultimately underwent season-ending surgery in November.

>Before going down with the injuries, Alt was one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. He was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and earned a Pro Bowl selection despite only playing six games last season.

>Ahead of the 2026 season, ESPN asked more than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts to rank the top-10 players at each position in the league. Alt was voted as the ninth-best offensive tackle in the NFL, and many executives believe the 23-year-old is poised for a breakout season in 2026.

>“Alt did not receive a healthy share of votes, but those who listed him — including several seasoned evaluators — believe his star turn is coming,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote.

Jun 17, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tackle Joe Alt (76) during minicamp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images“He will be the next Lane Johnson at right tackle,” an NFC executive said to ESPN. “Rare combo of size, strength and agility.”

>“He’s going to be a problem for a long time,” an AFC executive said to ESPN. “He’s got everything you need.”

Rashawn Slater Is Also Returning From Injury Going into the 2025 season, the Chargers had one of the strongest offensive lines in the NFL. The plan was for Alt and Rashawn Slater to play right and left tackle, respectively.

>But Slater suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in his left knee in training camp, then Alt went down with an ankle injury. Now, the pair are both healthy and looking to bounce back in 2026.

>Slater was an honorable mention in ESPN’s top-10 offensive tackle rankings.

Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (70) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images“He’s absolutely a top-10 tackle. He’ll be back on it next year, I believe,” an NFC executive told ESPN about Slater.

>The Chargers begin preseason games on Aug. 13 against the Houston Texans then will open the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 13.

>Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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