Notre Dame Star Joe Alt Rockets Up 2025 NFL Draft Boards—Why Scouts Call Him the Next Elite Tackle

Key Points • Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Joe Alt left Sunday’s 21-18 win over Tennessee with a right high-ankle sprain and is “doubtful” for Week 10, per head coach Jim Harbaugh. • The second-year lineman was rolled up on from behind during a third-quarter screen pass and was carted to the locker room after initially trying to walk off under his own power. • Preliminary imaging showed no fracture, but team doctors believe Alt will miss “multiple weeks,” according to an ESPN report Monday morning. How the Injury Happened Early in the third quarter, quarterback Justin Herbert set up a slip-screen to Austin Ekeler. As Alt pivoted to seal the edge, Titans defensive end Harold Landry was blocked into the back of Alt’s right leg. The 6-foot-8, 320-pound tackle immediately crumpled, grabbed at his ankle and remained on the turf for several minutes before limping off with athletic trainers. Immediate Impact on the Chargers’ Offense Alt has started every game at left tackle since being drafted No. 5 overall out of Notre Dame in 2024, anchoring an offensive line that has surrendered the fewest sacks in the AFC through eight weeks. His absence forces swing tackle Foster Sarell into the lineup and could prompt the team to elevate rookie sixth-rounder Javon Cohen from the practice squad. • Sacks allowed with Alt on field (Weeks 1-8): 9 • Sacks allowed without Alt after injury (vs. Titans): 2 Return Timeline High-ankle sprains typically sideline linemen three to six weeks, depending on ligament damage. A Week 14 return vs. Kansas City is an optimistic target; the more realistic scenario circles Week 16 at Denver, giving Alt extra rest before a possible playoff push. What It Means for Justin Herbert Herbert’s passer rating drops from 105.2 when protected by Alt to 88.6 when pressured from the blindside this season. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore may lean more heavily on quick-game concepts, six-man protections and chip blocks from tight end Gerald Everett to mitigate the loss. Roster Options and Free-Agent Market General manager Joe Hortiz confirmed the Chargers have reached out to veteran tackles Donovan Smith and Eric Fisher, both of whom remain unsigned. The club could also explore a trade before Tuesday’s deadline, but cap constraints (roughly $4.1 million in space) make a rental deal more likely than a splash acquisition. Bottom Line Joe Alt’s ankle injury is a significant blow to a Chargers team already battling cluster injuries on the offensive line. How quickly the 22-year-old Pro Bowl candidate returns will shape Los Angeles’ playoff odds in a crowded AFC West race.