The Los Angeles Chargers have confirmed a significant setback for their offense. Starting center Tyler Biadasz will miss the entire season after suffering an ACL injury. The injury occurred during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers last week.
Biadasz, 28, was a key offseason acquisition for the Chargers. He joined on a three-year, $30 million deal after being released by the Washington Commanders. His addition was aimed at improving the center position over Bradley Bozeman, who had been the starting center for the previous two seasons.
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The injury occurred when Chargers guard Kayode Awosika collided with 49ers defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez. Valdez fell into the back of Biadasz’s legs, causing the injury. Biadasz, entering his seventh NFL season, was quickly carted off the field.
Newly drafted Jake Slaughter, a second-round pick, will take over as the starting center. Slaughter had initially been competing for the left guard position. He played center during his college career at Florida and has experience at the position through training camp and preseason.
This injury marks the second consecutive year the Chargers have seen a key offensive lineman injured during training camp. Last year, left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a patellar tendon injury after signing a substantial contract extension.
Subsequently, the team adjusted by moving Joe Alt from right tackle to left tackle. However, Alt’s season was cut short to just six games due to ankle injuries, which left the Chargers’ offensive line vulnerable.
Quarterback Justin Herbert is hopeful that Biadasz’s injury does not signal further trouble for the offensive line this season.