Chargers weigh offensive line options versus Commanders

EL SEGUNDO — Coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman said they have a plan for their bruised and battered offensive line for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, because, of course they do. They weren’t about to share what it might be, though.

Harbaugh and Roman also couldn’t say which five-man combination they would send onto the field because they didn’t know who might be healthy enough to play and protect quarterback Justin Herbert in Week 5. They hinted changes might be in store, but they didn’t reveal the details.

As it turned out, left tackle Joe Alt was ruled out for Sunday because of a sprained ankle suffered in the first quarter of the Chargers’ 21-18 loss to the New York Giants last weekend and right guard Mekhi Becton was listed as questionable because of a concussion sustained in Week 3.

Alt continued to walk with the aid of a protective boot, unable to join his teammates for practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Becton returned to the practice field this week, but his participation was said to be limited Wednesday and Thursday. He was a full go Friday, though.

Harbaugh said Becton remained in concussion protocol with one hurdle still to be cleared before he could be cleared to play Sunday. Harbaugh did acknowledge that he’s “no expert,” which meant he couldn’t describe what that final hurdle might be for Becton to resume playing right guard.

Or perhaps another position.

It’s possible the Chargers could flip Becton from right guard to left tackle in place of Alt. Becton began his career at left tackle with the New York Jets, who selected him in the first round of the 2020 draft. He moved to guard with the Philadelphia Eagles last season and remained there with the Chargers.

“We have thought about it, yes,” Harbaugh said of a possible switch of positions.

If, and that’s a big if, all goes well, then the Chargers would shift Becton into Alt’s spot, keeping Zion Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center and continue with Jamaree Salyer at right guard and Trey Pipkins III at right tackle. If not, if Becton can’t play, then Austin Deculus would start at left tackle.

Deculus filled Alt’s spot for the final three quarters Sunday against New York.

“It’s all hands on deck at this point, so we’re going to look at different combinations,” Roman said. “It can be pretty fluid. Anybody on our roster has to be ready to go, especially at the O-line position right now. If it starts out a certain way, it could change during the game, but it’s all hands on deck.”

As for how the deck might be shuffled Sunday, Roman didn’t say.

“I have an idea,” Roman said of the makeup of the makeshift O-line. “But it’s not written in stone at all. There’s going to be a lot of options available and we’ll be ready to exercise all of them accordingly. These guys are good players. When we use techniques that we practice and train during the game, the results are pretty darn good. There were some perfectly done things in that game (Sunday).”

The Chargers’ line play must be improved. Herbert was sacked twice and hit 12 times by an unrelenting Giants’ pass rush. Herbert was sacked five times and hit 14 times during the Chargers’ Week 3 victory over the Denver Broncos. It’s not sustainable, according to Roman.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “He’s getting hit too much. Too many unnecessary hits. There’s going to be some, but not that many. There’s going to be some of that in the National Football League, but we don’t want anything near to what we’re seeing right now. Let me be clear.”

INJURY REPORT

Wide receiver Derius Davis was ruled out for Sunday’s game because of a knee injury that also sidelined him for the Chargers’ loss to the Giants. …

Tight ends Will Dissly and Tucker Fisk were listed as questionable to play. Dissly has a knee injury and Fisk has a toe ailment.