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Joe Alt expected to miss Chargers-Broncos with neck injury

Los Angeles Chargers right tackle Joe Alt will miss this week’s game against the Denver Broncos after failing to practice on Wednesday, as his neck injury—suffered in a violent collision with Seahawks safety Nick Emmanuelli during last week’s loss—remains unresolved. Alt, a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive tackle, is not expected to return to action this Sunday, though there are no immediate plans to place him on injured reserve, suggesting a short-term absence.

The injury occurred when Emmanuelli’s late hit on quarterback Justin Herbert went awry, sending the 230-pound defender into Alt’s head at full force. With Alt sidelined, the Chargers will rely on a rotation of young linemen, including rookies Jake Slaughter, Jacob Spomer, Logan Taylor, and Travis Burke, to fill the void at both guard and tackle positions.

Branson Taylor’s potential return from injured reserve could further stabilize the lineup, though the team’s depth chart remains fluid as they navigate the absence of both Alt and fellow starters Rashawn Slater and Trevor Penning.

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