The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Sunday that starting center Tyler Biadasz has been placed on season-ending injured reserve following an ACL injury sustained during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers last week. Biadasz, 28, signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Chargers after being released by the Washington Commanders. He was expected to improve the team's offensive line, replacing Bradley Bozeman, who had started at center for the past two seasons.
The injury occurred during an 11-on-11 drill when Chargers guard Kayode Awosika threw 49ers defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez to the ground, causing Valdez to fall into Biadasz's legs. Biadasz was carted off the field after the incident.
In his place, rookie Jake Slaughter will take over as center. Slaughter, who was initially competing for the starting left guard position, played center during his college career at Florida and has taken snaps at center during training camp and preseason.
This marks the second consecutive season that the Chargers have faced a significant injury to an offensive lineman during training camp. Last season, left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon shortly after signing a four-year, $114 million contract extension. In Slater's absence, Joe Alt was moved from right tackle to left tackle but was limited to six games due to multiple ankle injuries.