Rashawn Slater: Injury | News | PFF | Injury History | Position | Contract

Rashawn Slater has quickly become one of the most important players for the Los Angeles Chargers since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Known for his elite pass protection and dominance in the run game, Slater has been a cornerstone of the Chargers’ offensive line. However, like many players in the NFL, injuries have played a role in shaping his career trajectory.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Rashawn Slater’s injury updates, news, Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, injury history, position, and contract details.

Who is Rashawn Slater?

Rashawn Slater is an American football offensive tackle who plays for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He played college football at Northwestern University, where he was recognized as one of the most technically sound linemen in the country.

• Full Name: Rashawn Slater

• Born: March 26, 1999, Sugar Land, Texas

• Height: 6’4″ (1.93 m)

• Weight: 315 lbs (143 kg)

• College: Northwestern

• Drafted: 13th overall, 2021 NFL Draft by the Chargers

• Position: Left Tackle

Rashawn Slater’s Position and Role

Slater’s primary position is left tackle, one of the most crucial spots on the offensive line. The left tackle protects the quarterback’s blindside, which is essential for preventing sacks and ensuring passing plays develop smoothly.

What makes Slater special:

• Footwork: Exceptional balance and quick lateral movement

• Strength: Can anchor against bull rushes from elite pass rushers

• Football IQ: Reads defensive fronts and adjusts mid-play

• Versatility: Has played multiple offensive line spots during his career

Rashawn Slater Injury News

Rashawn Slater has dealt with both minor and major injuries during his career, with one of the most significant being a torn left biceps tendon in 2022 that cut short his season.

Here’s the latest injury update as of 2025:

• Current Status: Healthy and playing for the Chargers

• 2024 Season: Played all regular-season games without missing time due to injury

• Recovery: Fully recovered from past injuries and showing strong PFF grades

The Chargers’ coaching staff has praised Slater’s resilience and commitment to rehabilitation, which has allowed him to bounce back quickly.

Rashawn Slater Injury History

Understanding his injury history helps paint the picture of his career durability:

2022 – Torn Left Biceps

• Injury Date: Week 3 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Impact: Season-ending injury

• Surgery: Required surgical repair of the tendon

• Recovery Time: Missed the remainder of the season (14 games)

2021 – Minor Foot/Ankle Issues

• Impact: Missed a few practices but played the full season

• Effect on Performance: Minimal

College Years – Minor Injuries

• 2019: Missed some time due to a lower leg strain

• Opted out of 2020 season (COVID-related decision, not injury-related)

Slater’s major injury was the 2022 biceps tear, but otherwise, his durability has been solid.

PFF (Pro Football Focus) Grades for Rashawn Slater

Pro Football Focus grades players based on game film and statistical performance. Rashawn Slater has consistently ranked among the top offensive tackles in the NFL.

PFF Grade by Year

• 2021 (Rookie Season): 83.6 overall grade – Ranked among top 10 tackles

• 2022: 84.4 (before injury) – Only played 3 games but was dominant

• 2023: 82.9 – Returned to Pro Bowl form after injury

• 2024: 85.2 – Career-high grade, elite in pass blocking

PFF Analysis

• Pass Blocking Grade: Consistently above 85 in most games

• Run Blocking Grade: High 70s to low 80s, showing balance in both phases

• Penalties: Keeps penalty count low, which is rare for an offensive lineman

Slater’s PFF scores prove he is not just a starter but a top-tier player at his position.

Rashawn Slater Contract Details

Rashawn Slater’s contract reflects his value as a first-round pick and one of the NFL’s best young offensive tackles.

• Contract Type: Rookie contract (with fifth-year option)

• Length: 4 years (2021–2024)

• Total Value: $16.6 million

• Signing Bonus: $9.5 million

• Guaranteed: $16.6 million (fully guaranteed)

• Fifth-Year Option: Available for the 2025 season (expected to be exercised by Chargers)

The Chargers are likely to negotiate a long-term extension with Slater soon, possibly making him one of the highest-paid tackles in the league. Rashawn Slater injury.

Why Rashawn Slater is Important to the Chargers

Slater’s presence on the offensive line has had a massive impact on the Chargers’ offense, particularly in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert. His ability to neutralize elite edge rushers allows the team to open up the passing game and maintain offensive balance.

Key Contributions:

1. Blindside Protection – Reduces sack numbers for Herbert

2. Run Game Improvement – Creates lanes for running backs

3. Leadership – Already a locker-room leader despite being young

Training and Recovery

After his 2022 injury, Slater adopted a rigorous training and recovery plan:

• Strength Training: Focused on upper-body stability

• Flexibility: Yoga and stretching routines to prevent muscle tears

• Film Study: Even when injured, he kept up with game preparation

• Nutrition: Diet tailored for muscle recovery and stamina

Future Outlook for Rashawn Slater

Looking ahead, Rashawn Slater is expected to remain one of the cornerstones of the Chargers’ offense. If he stays healthy, he could become a perennial Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection.

Potential career milestones in the next few years:

• Signing a massive contract extension

• Leading the Chargers’ O-line to a top-5 ranking in the NFL

• Becoming a mentor for future young linemen

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Rashawn Slater’s current injury status?
He is fully healthy as of the 2025 season.

2. What was Rashawn Slater’s worst injury?
A torn left biceps tendon in 2022 that ended his season.

3. What position does Rashawn Slater play?
He plays left tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers.

4. What is Rashawn Slater’s PFF grade?
In 2024, his PFF overall grade was 85.2, one of the highest for offensive tackles.

5. How much is Rashawn Slater’s contract worth?
His rookie contract is valued at $16.6 million over four years, fully guaranteed.

Conclusion

Rashawn Slater has proven to be an elite offensive tackle in the NFL, with exceptional skill, consistency, and resilience. While his 2022 injury was a setback, he has bounced back stronger than ever, earning high PFF grades and remaining a critical part of the Los Angeles Chargers’ success.

With his contract extension likely on the horizon and his prime years ahead, Rashawn Slater’s career trajectory points toward him becoming one of the best offensive linemen of his generation.