Jamaree

Salyer

We don’t really understand this one on the surface. The Chargers are projected to have to cut a lot of salary to get under the cap in 2023, and Pipkins has had a fairly uninspiring career to this point, as he’s either been hurt or underwhelming. 2022 was the first season where Pipkins played more than 600 offensive snaps, and his PFF grade was merely 59.8 this past season. Popper posits that the team will move Jamaree Salyer inside and release Matt Feiler to free up $6.5 million in cap space. We’d probably prefer Salyer at right tackle.

With Rashawn Slater (biceps) out for the season, Staley picked the unknown over the known and bad Storm Norton, who was destroyed by Jaguars defenders on Sunday as Slater’s replacement. “We’re making a change to put the best five guys that we feel like give us a chance,” Staley said. Justin Herbert’s blind side looks to be an issue going forward, including in Week 4’s game against the Texans.

This was the initial fear, and it’s been confirmed that Slater needs season-ending surgery. It’s yet another horrible blow for the Chargers, who will now be forced to start sixth-round rookie Jamaree Salyer on Justin Herbert’s blind side. It could lead to the Chargers’ tight ends needing to block more. Slater, on the other hand, should be ready for a normal offseason next year as he heads into his third season.

Salyer (6’3/321) was a four-year contributor and two-year starter after signing with Georgia as a five-star recruit. During his time in Athens, he played all five positions with most of his snaps the past two seasons coming at left tackle. Salyer is a wide-bodied power blocker with very active hands and a stable base. His lack of length and lateral quickness means a move inside to guard is coming at the next level. Salyer will need to be coached out of a habit of getting out over his skis and lunging into contact helmet-first. Assuming that happens, he should be a long-term starter at guard with the versatility to provide emergency depth at all five positions.

Losing Salyer (6'4/325) a year early is slightly unexpected. He missed a few games during the season with a foot injury, but played well throughout the year. He helped the Bulldogs rack up 442.8 yards per game and allow only 16 sacks on the season.

Salyer (6'4"/325) suffered a foot injury against Auburn and hasn’t played since. He wasn’t in uniform last week, but was spotted taking starting reps in warmups ahead of Alabama, all but guaranteeing he’ll be available.

Salyer (6'4/325) was pressed into duty at center after projected starter Warren Ericson suffered a hand injury in practice. “Center is one of those positions you can’t play aorund with,” HC Kirby Smart said on Monday. “You can play with a lot of different positions along the OL but you better have a center. The play doesn’t get started without that.” Ericson’s status, and how that impacts Salyer’s role, is something to keep an eye on as the Bulldogs prepare for their season-opening showdown with Clemson. The Tigers boast one of the best defensive lines in college football, and the last thing Georgia wants is to head into that game at less than full strength up front.

By the sound of it, there is a small chance Salyer could try his luck and play some snaps. Seeing as there is plenty of time between now and the season, though, it would be best (and more likely) that Salyer just takes a rest and misses this year’s spring game. Salyer (6'4/325) started games at both left tackle and guard in 2020.

Salyer (6'4/325) was listed as Isaiah Wilson’s backup at right tackle on the depth chart released ahead of Saturday’s game. But with Wilson out due to an apparent left foot injury, the sophomore will get the start against Murray State. This will be Salyer’s first collegiate start.

Emerson predicts that Clay Webb will make the trip in his place. Salyer was seen in a walking boot on August 20 after practice, and it would make sense that the 6-foot-4, 325-pound lineman wouldn’t make the trip if he’s not going to be able to play. That likely means that Isaiah Wilson starts at right tackle, with the five-star recruit Webb serving as a backup around the line.