Chargers Center Tyler Biadasz Out Indefinitely After ACL Tear in Practice

3 min read
Source: NBC Sports
Chargers Center Tyler Biadasz Out Indefinitely After ACL Tear in Practice
Photo: NBC Sports
TL;DR

Los Angeles Chargers center Tyler Biadasz is out indefinitely after suffering ACL damage and additional left-knee injuries during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old veteran, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract in March, was carted off the field after a 49ers defender fell on his leg. While the exact return timeline is unclear, the injury threatens to end his 2026 season, forcing the Chargers to rely on rookie Jake Slaughter and other contingency plans for their offensive line.

Key points

  • Biadasz suffered ACL damage and other left-knee injuries during Tuesday’s joint practice with the 49ers.
  • He is out indefinitely and will consult additional doctors to determine the extent of the damage and potential return timeline.
  • The injury occurred when 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez fell on Biadasz’s left leg during an 11-on-11 drill.
  • The Chargers had signed Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal in March to stabilize their offensive line.
  • Rookie Jake Slaughter, drafted in the second round, is expected to step into the starting center role.

Background

The Chargers have faced persistent offensive line injuries in recent years, including a season-ending knee injury for left tackle Rashawn Slater in 2025 and a recurring ankle issue for right tackle Joe Alt. General Manager Joe Hortiz drafted Jake Slaughter and other linemen in April to prepare for such contingencies. Biadasz, a former Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys, was viewed as a key upgrade over previous starter Bradley Bozeman.

How outlets are covering it

All sources confirm the indefinite status and ACL damage reported by NFL Network and ESPN. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlights the injury as the second major training camp loss for a former Wisconsin player this season. Bleacher Report notes that Biadasz was visibly upset and unable to bear weight, while also reporting that wide receiver Quentin Johnston and outside linebacker Kyle Kennard exited practice with potential lower-body issues. The Chargers’ official statement emphasized that Biadasz was gathering additional medical opinions.

Why it matters

The loss of Biadasz significantly impacts the Chargers’ offensive line stability, which was a primary focus for the 2026 season to support quarterback Justin Herbert. The injury forces the team to rely on younger players and may affect their ability to protect the quarterback and establish a consistent running game early in the season.

What to watch

Biadasz will meet with additional doctors to assess the severity of the knee damage and determine a potential return timeline. The Chargers will likely use Jake Slaughter at center in upcoming preseason games, including a matchup against the 49ers on Thursday night, to evaluate the new lineup.

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