Chargers’ Joe Alt will return on TNF in Week 8 after missing three games with an ankle injury

To kick off Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season, the Chargers are at home to face the Vikings. Los Angeles is 4-3 this season, but is 1-3 in their last four games. They started the season 3-0. 

In their last four contests, the team has been without LT Joe Alt. He suffered an ankle injury in a Week 4 loss to the Giants. On Wednesday, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that Joe Alt is questionable to play in Week 8 vs. the Vikings. However, Alt said that he plans on making his return after a three-game absence. A massive boost for Los Angeles offensively.

Joe Alt is expected to return for the Chargers on TNF in Week 8

The #Chargers list T Joe Alt as questionable for tomorrow against the #Vikings. Alt, who hasn’t played this month, said yesterday he plans to make his return.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 22, 2025

With the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Chargers selected tackle Joe Alt out of Notre Dame. As a rookie, he started 16 games for Los Angeles and finished 7th in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon during training camp. He’ll unfortunately miss the entire 2025 season. That’s why second-year pro Joe Alt was starting at LT this season. In a Week 4 loss to the Giants, Joe Alt exited the game early due to an ankle injury.

Alt walked off the field but was later carted to the locker room. The 22-year-old missed the Chargers’ next three consecutive games due to injury. Los Angeles went 1-2 in these contests. It’s a short week for the Chargers, playing on TNF vs. the Vikings. Despite the team having Alt limited on their estimated injury report, he plans to play vs. Minnesota.

From @GMFB: Key injury updates for the #Vikings–#Chargers TNF game, with an emphasis on big-time offensive linemen. pic.twitter.com/RSAgqbkr1Z

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2025

Joe Alt returning on Thursday evening would be a massive boost for Los Angeles’ offense. In two of their three games without Alt, the Chargers have struggled to run the ball. Justin Herbet led the team with 31 rushing yards in a Week 7 loss to the Colts. When Joe Alt makes his return in Week 8, the Chargers should see an improvement in their run game.

Additionally, RT Trey Pipkins could return in Week 8 from a knee injury. He’s missed the last two games for Los Angeles. Pipkins started the first five games of the season for the Chargers. He’s starting at RT in 2025 because the team needed Joe Alt at LT. Trey Pipkins is in his seventh professional season. All of them with the Los Angeles Chargers. He is questionable to play on TNF vs. the Vikings. Barring a setback, expect to see LT Joe Alt back in action.