The Chargers have selected rookie Jake Slaughter to start at center after Tyler Biadasz sustained a knee injury during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff made the decision following the injury, which will keep Biadasz out for the rest of the season.
Biadasz signed with Los Angeles this spring for three years and $30 million. The former 2022 Pro Bowl selection had a 70.8 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025 and was expected to improve the interior line and the rushing attack.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said Slaughter has demonstrated focus, welcomes instruction and is committed to carrying out his assignment. McDaniel also said mistakes are possible in Slaughter’s first NFL game, but the rookie has responded well to difficult moments and may play his best after an error.
Slaughter entered the league as a second-round pick from Florida in April. He was a first-team All-SEC choice in 2024 and 2025. Pro Football Focus placed him eighth among centers overall and third as a run blocker for 2025.
His work will be part of a zone-blocking offense that often runs early, including plays involving second-year back Omarion Hampton. Harbaugh and McDaniel also see Slaughter, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater as possible long-term pieces. The report was published by sports.yahoo.com and first appeared in Athlon Sports on Sept. 12, 2026.