Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker David Ojabo (90) during the firs half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon in practice Thursday and will miss the upcoming season.

He’ll undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve, the team said.

Slater was hurt less than two weeks after signing a multi-year contract extension last month.

Slater’s teammates came up to hug him before he was carted off the field.

“We’re praying for him, man. We hope he’s doing well,” outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu said. “That’s just something you don’t want to see.”

Slater has started all 52 career games at left tackle since being drafted 13th overall by the Chargers in the first round in 2021. Slater has been Justin Herbert’s main protector, allowing the quarterback to set several league-wide passing records.

Last season, Slater’s presence helped the offense commit a franchise-record eight turnovers, tying for the second-fewest offensive turnovers in a single season in NFL history.

Wounded Colt

BALTIMORE — Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson left the Colts’ preseason game against Baltimore Thursday night after taking a sack from David Ojabo.

Richardson is competing with Daniel Jones for the starting quarterback position. After the sack, Richardson jogged to the sideline and was replaced by Jones.

Coach Shane Steichen said in a TV interview that Richardson had an injury to his pinky. Several media outlets were reporting it was a broken finger but the Colts did not comment.

The original plan was for Richardson to play one-and-a-half quarters, with Jones playing half a quarter. Before leaving, Richardson guided the Colts to a field goal on his first drive.

Verse helped off

LOS ANGELES — Jared Verse had to be helped off the field during practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday after bumping knees with teammate Braden Fiske.

Coach Sean McVay wasn’t immediately certain of the severity of the injury for Verse, the NFL defensive rookie of the year last season and one of the NFL’s top young pass rushers. Verse stayed down on the turf on his hands and knees for a long moment after walking off with assistance from training staff.

McVay had encouraging news on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is expected to practice with his teammates Monday for the first time this summer.

Texans worried?

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. — Houston safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson appears to have suffered a significant leg injury.

It happened Thursday during the Texans’ practice at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Reports say Gardner-Johnson tried to tackle receiver John Metchie, fell to the ground, and began writhing in pain.

The medical staff helped him off the field, and it seemed he couldn’t put pressure on his right leg. Coach DeMeco Ryans said he had no update on Gardner-Johnson’s condition but described the injury as heartbreaking.

Gardner-Johnson joined the Texans from the Eagles in March and was expected to be the starting free safety.

Mahomes to play

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is excited to play with the starters in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

Mahomes believes getting hit helps him prepare mentally for the season. Coach Andy Reid plans to have each quarterback play a full quarter, with Mahomes starting on Saturday.

The Chiefs are eager to see their new offensive line, especially first-round pick Josh Simmons at left tackle. There’s also competition for wide receiver spots due to injuries. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon is taking a similar approach, planning to play starters, including quarterback Kyler Murray, in the preseason.

Sign right here

The Arizona Cardinals announced the return of veteran Will Hernandez on a one-year deal to strengthen their offensive line.

Hernandez, who turns 30 next month, has started 35 games at guard for the Cardinals over the past three seasons.

Last year, he started the first five games at right guard before a season-ending ACL tear against the San Francisco 49ers.