Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line

When the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line faced a crisis in Week 8 of the 2025 season—with starting left guard Zion Johnson sidelined by a knee injury and backup Matt Feiler struggling with a shoulder issue—head coach Brandon Staley turned to a familiar face: Jamaree Salyer. The 24-year-old, who had spent most of the season as a utility lineman (playing 15% of snaps at guard and tackle), was inserted into the starting left guard spot. What followed was a revelation: Salyer’s steady play not only filled Johnson’s void but elevated the entire line’s performance. Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line explores his unexpected rise, his impact on pass protection and run blocking, and how he’s become a critical piece of the Chargers’ offense during their playoff push. For a line that had been inconsistent early in the season, Salyer’s emergence was a much-needed lifeline.

Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line begins with Salyer’s adjustment to the starting role and his immediate statistical impact. Before Week 8, the Chargers’ offensive line ranked 22nd in the NFL in sacks allowed (21) and 18th in run blocking efficiency (according to Pro Football Focus). In the five games since Salyer became a starter, those numbers have jumped dramatically: the line has allowed just 5 sacks, and run blocking efficiency has climbed to 10th in the league. Salyer himself has been a standout: he’s allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and just two pressures in 220 pass-blocking snaps—ranking among the top 10 guards in the AFC in pass-block win rate (89%). “Jamaree didn’t just step in—he took control,” said offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “He’s quick off the ball, he’s strong at the point of attack, and he rarely makes a mistake. For a young guy to be that consistent right away is impressive.” Salyer, a 2022 sixth-round pick out of Georgia, credited his preparation: “I practice like I’m a starter every week. When the opportunity came, I just did what I’d been doing in practice—execute my assignments and help the team win.”

Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line continues with his role in revitalizing the Chargers’ run game, which had sputtered early in the season (92.3 yards per game through Week 7). With Salyer anchoring the left guard spot, the run game has averaged 121.4 yards per game over the last five weeks—including a season-high 168 yards in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens. Salyer’s ability to pull and block on the move has been a key factor: in the Ravens game, he executed three successful pull blocks that sprung running back Austin Ekeler for gains of 15+ yards, including a 28-yard touchdown run. “Jamaree’s pull blocking is what makes him special,” said Ekeler. “He’s fast for a lineman—he gets to the second level quickly and takes out linebackers before they can react. That opens up holes for me to run through.” Bricillo noted that Salyer’s versatility has also helped: “He can play guard or tackle, but his strength is at guard, where he can use his athleticism to create movement. He’s made our run game more dynamic.” For the Chargers, a strong run game has balanced their offense, taking pressure off quarterback Justin Herbert and keeping opposing defenses honest.

Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line also highlights his impact on protecting Herbert, who had been sacked 21 times in the first seven games (third-most in the NFL). Since Salyer’s promotion, Herbert has been sacked just five times, and he’s had more time to throw—his average time to throw has increased from 2.6 seconds to 3.1 seconds, allowing him to find open receivers downfield. In Week 12 against the New England Patriots, Salyer’s performance was particularly crucial: he faced Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon (who had 8 sacks entering the game) on 18 snaps and held him to zero pressures, zero sacks, and just one tackle. “Judon is one of the best pass rushers in the league, so I knew I had my hands full,” Salyer said. “I studied his tendencies all week—how he likes to rush, what moves he uses—and I stuck to my technique. In the end, it worked out.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, protecting Herbert is paramount—he’s the face of the franchise, and keeping him healthy is essential to their playoff hopes. “Jamaree’s ability to shut down guys like Judon gives Justin the time he needs to make plays,” Staley said. “That’s the difference between winning and losing in this league.”

Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line delves into the unexpected nature of Salyer’s rise, as he wasn’t initially pegged as a starter entering the season. After spending his rookie year (2022) as a backup tackle and his second season (2023) splitting time between guard and tackle, Salyer entered 2025 as the Chargers’ “swing lineman”—a reserve who could fill in at multiple spots but wasn’t considered a full-time starter. When Johnson went down, Staley had a choice: sign a free agent guard or give Salyer a shot. He chose the latter, and it’s paid off. “We always knew Jamaree had talent,” Telesco said. “He just needed an opportunity to play consistently. Sometimes, players need that chance to show what they can do—and Jamaree took full advantage of it.” Salyer’s teammates have noticed his work ethic: “Jamaree stays late after practice every day, working on his technique with Coach Bricillo,” said center Corey Linsley. “He’s a student of the game—he watches film, asks questions, and never gets complacent. That’s why he’s been so successful.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Salyer’s emergence is a reminder of the value of drafting and developing young talent—sometimes, the best players are the ones waiting for their chance.

Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line concludes with Salyer’s long-term future and his growing popularity among fans. With Johnson set to return from injury in Week 14, Staley has indicated that Salyer will remain in the starting lineup—this time at right guard, replacing Feiler (who has struggled with inconsistency). The move will create a “super line” of left tackle Rashawn Slater, left guard Johnson, center Linsley, right guard Salyer, and right tackle Trey Pipkins III—potentially one of the best lines in the NFL. Fans have already embraced Salyer: “Salyer Strong” signs have appeared at SoFi Stadium, and his jersey sales have jumped into the top 20 among offensive linemen league-wide. “It’s crazy to see fans cheering for me like this,” Salyer said. “I just want to keep playing well and help the team win a Super Bowl. That’s the goal.” As the Chargers head into the playoffs, Salyer’s role will only grow in importance—he’ll be tasked with protecting Herbert against some of the AFC’s top pass rushers (like Kansas City’s Chris Jones and Baltimore’s Odafe Oweh). In the end, Jamaree Salyer's Start Boosts the Los Angeles Chargers Line is a story of perseverance and opportunity—a young player who waited for his chance, seized it, and became a key part of his team’s success. For the Chargers, Salyer isn’t just a fill-in starter—he’s a future cornerstone of their offensive line.