The Chargers spent big this offseason to solve a problem that had haunted their offensive line for years, and now that fix is in serious jeopardy. Tyler Biadasz suffered ACL damage and additional injuries to his left knee during Tuesday's joint practice against the 49ers, and he's out indefinitely while he sorts out next steps.
Per Adam Schefter, the injury happened when 49ers defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez fell onto Biadasz's left knee during the joint session, and Biadasz had to be carted off unable to put any weight on the leg. Schefter noted Biadasz will meet with more doctors to get further clarity on the damage — never a great sign when the initial word is already ACL damage plus extra injury to the same knee.
NFL injury analyst Dr. David Chao flagged the play as dangerous and hoped out loud that it stays limited to an MCL issue rather than anything season-ending, which underscores how much uncertainty is still hanging over this diagnosis.
#TylerBiadasz training camp injury Not good, worrisome Dangerous play by teammate Hope 🙏 just MCL and not more Anything short of season ending is good news
This one stings extra because of what Biadasz was brought in to fix. The Chargers signed him to a 3-year, $30 million deal after Washington unexpectedly released him in February, plugging in a 28-year-old former Pro Bowler at a position that had been a disaster in Los Angeles. Last year's starter, Bradley Bozeman, graded out dead last among centers per PFF, and Justin Herbert took quick pressure on a league-leading number of dropbacks as a result. The Chargers gutted the line afterward, cutting six linemen and restocking with veterans and rookies, with Biadasz as the anchor piece.
Now that anchor is gone for an unknown stretch right as the regular season approaches, and Mike Garafolo's reporting that it's already being treated as a long-term injury only adds to the concern.
The Chargers still have pieces behind Biadasz, including second-round rookie Jake Slaughter, but losing a proven veteran center weeks before Week 1 forces an unplanned reshuffle up front for a team that just spent an offseason trying to escape exactly this kind of chaos. Expect an update once Biadasz sees additional doctors, and expect the Chargers' center competition to look very different by the time the games count.