Biadasz Is Now Long-Term. The Chargers Don't Have a Backup Plan That Inspires Confidence.

Tyler Biadasz was carted off during joint practice with the 49ers on Tuesday after Sebastian Valdez fell into his left leg, and by Wednesday the timeline had hardened: long-term. That's the word being used. For a team that was already watching its left tackle situation with genuine unease, adding the starting center to the extended-absence column is a different category of problem.

I've written twice this week about Rashawn Slater — the active designation that didn't match the practice absences, then the eight consecutive sessions missed. There's now at least something resembling a return date for Slater, which is marginally better news than it was 48 hours ago. But Biadasz being out long-term means the Chargers are entering the final stretch of camp without two of the three most important men protecting Justin Herbert. The depth chart at center lists Jake Slaughter and Jacob Spomer behind Biadasz. Those are fine names to have in a building. They are not names that make you feel settled.

Herbert threw for 3,886 yards and 26 touchdowns last season behind a line that, when healthy, was among the better units in the conference. The operative phrase is when healthy. The Chargers' margin for error in 2025 was already thin — they won a lot of close games that their underlying numbers suggested they shouldn't have, and that kind of luck doesn't carry over. What does carry over is whether your quarterback is upright. Right now that is a genuine open question, and camp ends soon.