Chiefs vs. Chargers: Rashawn Slater placed on COVID list before TNF

The Los Angeles Chargers have placed offensive tackle Rashawn Slater on the team’s COVID/reserve list on Monday, per a report. This means the Chargers left tackle could be forced to miss the team’s upcoming showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs will visit L.A. on Thursday Night Football to open the NFL’s Week 15 slate in a game that could decide the fate of the entire division. The AFC West rivals are only a single game apart with the Chiefs in front at 9-4 and the Bolts at 8-5. However, the Chargers already beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium earlier this year and hold that edge in case of a tiebreaker. Another win would give the Chargers the outright lead in the AFC West.

Slater has been one of the NFL’s top rookie performers on either side of the ball this season. Slater was the No. 13 overall selection in the first round, and the Chargers were hoping that the Northwestern product could be installed as a cornerstone of the offensive front for the next half-decade or more going forward. Slater has lived up to the billing and then some as an instant starter with a Pro Bowl ceiling.

The Chargers have dealt with a number of COVID cases lately on the roster, or at least some close contacts, so it will be interesting to hear more details here and what it means for his availability going forward. The Chargers have a very short week in which to get ready for the Chiefs and/or make any adjustments on the fly.

If the Chargers are forced to play without Slater, it looks like Trey Pipkins would be the natural fit as his substitute.