The Los Angeles Chargers won't have their starting left tackle on Thursday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Rashawn Slater won't be activated from the COVID-19 list in time for Week 15, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday, according to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.
Slater landed on the COVID-19 reserve Monday. Trey Pipkins will replace him as Justin Herbert's blind-side protector.
Drafted 13th overall this year, Slater has been one of football's most reliable left tackles in 2021. He's the 10th-ranked offensive tackle in the league (minimum 10 appearances), according to PFF.
Pipkins hasn't started a game this year and has logged only eight brief appearances.
The Chargers enter Week 15 ranked sixth and 15th in pass- and run-blocking, respectively, according to PFF.
The team also announced Wednesday that running back Austin Ekeler, safety Derwin James, and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. are questionable against the Chiefs due to injuries.
The 8-5 Chargers sit second in the AFC West, two games behind the Chiefs. Los Angeles beat Kansas City earlier this season at Arrowhead.
