Chargers get scary injury news as Pro Bowl lineman is carted off practice field originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Chargers received a potentially significant injury scare Tuesday when starting center Tyler Biadasz was carted off the field with an apparent left leg injury during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers.
Biadasz went down during an 11-on-11 drill after 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez fell into his leg. The 28-year-old remained on the ground for nearly five minutes while trainers evaluated him before he was helped onto a medical cart.
Quarterback Justin Herbert and tight end Scott Matlock approached Biadasz before he was driven from the field with his head down.
The extent of the injury was not immediately known, but Biadasz’s departure is concerning for a Chargers offense that made rebuilding the interior offensive line a priority this offseason.
Los Angeles signed Biadasz in March after he spent last season with the Washington Commanders. He was one of general manager Joe Hortiz’s most significant additions and was expected to provide experience and stability in front of Herbert.
Biadasz started 31 games during two seasons in Washington before being released in February as part of a cost-cutting move.
The Dallas Cowboys originally selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Biadasz started all 49 games he played for Dallas and earned his first and only Pro Bowl selection following the 2022 season.
Chargers’ rebuilt offensive line already facing a potentially massive setback
With Biadasz sidelined Tuesday, rookie Jake Slaughter moved to center.
The Chargers selected Slaughter in the second round after he played center at Florida. Los Angeles, however, had primarily used him at left guard during training camp.
That experience at center could become increasingly important depending on Biadasz’s diagnosis.
The Chargers are installing offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s new system and have been encouraged by Herbert’s early progress. Keeping their franchise quarterback protected will be essential to making the offense work.
Biadasz was brought to Los Angeles to become a key part of that protection.
Now the Chargers must wait and hope Tuesday’s frightening scene doesn’t result in a major setback for their rebuilt offensive line.
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