### Chargers' Joe Alt Faces Season-Ending Surgery After Ankle Injury The Los Angeles Chargers have suffered a significant setback as left tackle Joe Alt is set to undergo season-ending surgery due to a high ankle sprain. This injury marks a troubling continuation of Alt's struggles this season, having previously missed three games due to a similar issue. The injury occurred during a recent game against the Tennessee Titans, where Alt was carted off the field after sustaining the injury in the second quarter. His absence will further strain an already depleted offensive line, which has been grappling with injuries to key players, including right tackle Bobby Hart and star tackle Rashawn Slater, who is out for the season. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Joe Alt suffered a high ankle sprain during the Chargers' 27-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans on November 2, 2025, and will require surgery [https://abc30.com/post/chargers-lt-joe-alt-undergo-season-ending-ankle-surgery/18109499]. - This injury is a recurrence of a previous high ankle sprain that sidelined him for three games earlier in the season [https://wtop.com/nfl/2025/11/chargers-ot-joe-alt-needs-season-ending-surgery-after-another-high-ankle-sprain]. 2. **Impact on the Team**: - Alt's injury leaves the Chargers without both starting tackles, as Rashawn Slater is also out for the season [https://si.com/mlb/chargers-lose-both-starting-tackles-after-joe-alt-suffered-season-ending-ankle-injury]. - The offensive line has already been under pressure, having allowed a season-high six sacks in the game against the Titans [https://apnews.com/article/la-chargers-joe-alt-injury-c5316ec916ab7591429eb73df1a6d8bb]. 3. **Coaching and Team Response**: - Head coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized Alt's importance to the team, noting his leadership and blocking skills [https://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_star_now_questionable_to_return_carted_off_the_field_vs_titans/s1_17260_43004195]. - The Chargers may need to explore trade options to bolster their offensive line ahead of the NFL trade deadline, given the current injuries [https://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_joe_alt_suffers_injury_vs_titans_carted_off/s1_16646_43004134]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline**: - Alt previously missed three games due to a high ankle sprain earlier in the season [https://abc30.com/post/sources-chargers-alt-dealing-another-high-ankle-sprain/18105399]. - He returned to play on October 23, 2025, but was injured again in the second quarter of the game against the Titans [https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/onsi/chargers-joe-alt-injury-update-disaster-scenario]. - **Team Performance**: - The Chargers' record with Alt in the lineup was notably better, reflecting his impact on the team's performance [https://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_fear_a_repeat_injury_for_star_lt_joe_alt/s1_14819_43005406]. ### Conclusion: A Tough Road Ahead for the Chargers **The Los Angeles Chargers face a challenging situation following Joe Alt's season-ending injury.** 1. **Injury Recurrence**: Alt's high ankle sprain is a repeat injury that will require surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season [https://wtop.com/nfl/2025/11/chargers-ot-joe-alt-needs-season-ending-surgery-after-another-high-ankle-sprain]. 2. **Offensive Line Crisis**: With both starting tackles out, the Chargers must address their offensive line issues urgently [https://si.com/mlb/chargers-lose-both-starting-tackles-after-joe-alt-suffered-season-ending-ankle-injury]. 3. **Future Strategies**: The coaching staff may need to consider trades or adjustments to maintain competitiveness in the remainder of the season [https://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_star_now_questionable_to_return_carted_off_the_field_vs_titans/s1_17260_43004195]. The Chargers will need to rally and adapt quickly to navigate the challenges posed by these injuries as they continue their season.