Chargers have reshuffled offensive line at 3 positions to protect Justin Herbert vs. Chiefs

AP Sports Writer

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a reshuffled offensive line protecting him against the Kansas City Chiefs.

That’s not encouraging news for Herbert, who is still hampered by a high right ankle sprain that occurred two weeks ago at Carolina.

The Chargers are missing both starting offensive tackles for Sunday’s game after left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Joe Alt were declared inactive because of injuries.

Slater suffered a pectoral injury during the first half last week. Alt is dealing with a sprained MCL that happened during the fourth quarter.

Trey Pipkins, who started the first three games at right guard, has shifted to right tackle. Pipkins started 31 games at right tackle in 2022 and ’23, but moved to guard this year when the Chargers made Alt the fifth overall pick in the draft.

Sam Mustipher was called up from the practice squad and started at right guard. Mustipher is in his fifth season and has 42 NFL starts in Chicago and Baltimore. However, he has taken only three snaps at right guard in a game.

Jamaree Salyer started at left tackle. The third-year lineman had 14 starts at the spot in 2022 after Slater had a season-ending biceps injury.

Center Bradley Bozeman and left guard Zion Johnson remained in their usual spots.

Herbert was limited in practice this week but participated all three days. The fifth-year quarterback came out during the third quarter of last week’s 20-10 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers after taking repeated hits to the ankle.

The Chargers are also missing linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) and safety Derwin James (suspension).

Los Angeles has lost five straight when facing the Chiefs. The Chargers have not defeated their AFC rival on their home field since 2013.

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