Why Joe Alt isn't playing tonight for Chargers with injury news

Offensive linemen often go unnoticed.

That's especially true when they're as good as Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Joe Alt, who rarely lets trouble get anywhere near his teammates.

But on Sunday night in Week 10, Alt is being noticed, sort of.

He's conspicuous by his absence.

The Chargers are taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers' talented pass rush without Alt.

MORE: 4 reasons the Bills' disastrous loss matters in Super Bowl pursuit

Why isn't Joe Alt playing tonight?

Joe Alt is out on Sunday night due to injury.

He sustained a high ankle sprain in the Chargers' Week 9 game.

The Chargers then ruled Alt out for the season. He needs to undergo ankle surgery.

Alt had already missed time with a previous high ankle sprain in 2025.

"I feel bad for Joe," coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters, via ESPN, "but I know it's going to be OK."