The Chargers will likely be without their top offensive lineman Sunday against the Commanders.
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday afternoon that imaging showed that Joe Alt has a sprained ankle. Harbaugh also categorized Alt as "doubtful" for Week 5's home game against Washington.
"Don't want to speculate on the degree, but likely not to play this week," Harbaugh said. "We'll take it day-by-day. Doubtful this week and we'll see about next week."
Harbaugh was also asked if Alt could go in Injured Reserve, meaning he'd have to miss a minimum of four games.
"I don't know that," Harbaugh said.
Alt said in the locker room Wednesday that while he initially hoped to return to Sunday's game, his focus has now shifted to a speedy recovery.
"You always want to battle back. You want to be a part of it. It's not something I thought was major, but it ended up being more than I thought. Had to get out," Alt said.
He later added: "It's part of the game. We sign up to play the game and injuries are part of it. My mindset now is it happened and now let's get back as fast as we can."
Alt, a team captain, bought Five Guys for the offensive line room after Wednesday's practice to show his appreciation for the group.
"Physically can't be out there, so mentally as much as I can be there with the guys, help any way I can," Alt said. "It's kind of why I got Five Guys, a little thing for the guys.
"That's the mindset, physically not there but mentally be there," Alt added. "Any questions I can help [with], be there with the guys, help with the game plan, be a part of it, that's my mindset."
With Alt unlikely to play, the Chargers could turn to Austin Deculus against at left tackle. Deculus came on in place of Alt in Week 4 against the Giants.
However, if Mekhi Becton returns from concussion protocol, that means Jamaree Salyer could also be an option at left tackle. Becton was limited on Chargers Injury Report on Wednesday.
The Chargers also added Foster Sarell to the active roster on Wednesday. He has both tackle and guard flexibility and could be another option somewhere along the line.
Salyer said the unit has been hard at work after Sunday's loss to the Giants, a game on which Justin Herbert was hit 12 times.
"Like every other week, we want to do our job, we want to do it effectively and show up for our QB, our backs and go out there and play," Salyer said.
Salyer noted he has confidence in whatever offensive line combination the Bolts roll out on Sunday.
"Throughout the week, just making sure you go out there and get reps at different positions. Our coach does a good job of giving us reps at different positions just in case," Salyer said. "Going through our different scenarios of who we would plug in if something were to happen. Just going through the week as usual."
Herbert echoed Salyer's thoughts and added he has full belief in the group that starts in Week 5.
"We've got so many guys that are going to step up and contribute to this team," Herbert said. "Some of them are fresh faces and guys we haven't seen play, and some are guys we've seen a bunch and we've seen them play good football.
"They know what they're doing and we're going to go out there and give it our best every week," Herbert continued. "They're going to do a great job stepping in."
He later added: "They're playmakers, too. Guys that have seen big football games, guys that have played in national championships and played in huge games."
