Chargers' Slater won't play TNF vs. Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers won't have their starting left tackle on Thursday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rashawn Slater won't be activated from the COVID-19 list in time for Week 15, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday, according to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.

Slater landed on the COVID-19 reserve Monday. Trey Pipkins will replace him as Justin Herbert's blind-side protector.

Drafted 13th overall this year, Slater has been one of football's most reliable left tackles in 2021. He's the 10th-ranked offensive tackle in the league (minimum 10 appearances), according to PFF.

Pipkins hasn't started a game this year and has logged only eight brief appearances.

The Chargers enter Week 15 ranked sixth and 15th in pass- and run-blocking, respectively, according to PFF.

The team also announced Wednesday that running back Austin Ekeler, safety Derwin James, and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. are questionable against the Chiefs due to injuries.

The 8-5 Chargers sit second in the AFC West, two games behind the Chiefs. Los Angeles beat Kansas City earlier this season at Arrowhead.

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