The Chargers cleaned out their lockers Monday at The Bolt, the sound of goodbyes and trash bags filling the afternoon in El Segundo.
But perhaps the biggest reason for hope and optimism for the Chargers in 2026 also radiated from one corner of the same room.
Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt both spoke to media members Monday and gave an update on their respective rehab processes.
And both made it quite clear that they're already hungry as they look ahead to the 2026 season.
"There's definitely been some chitchat about that," Alt said with a smile.
Slater added: "[We're] still sharing ideas and just talking about ball and things we're going to improve on and our plans for next year."
Each player missed a significant amount of the 2025 season, with Slater not playing a single snap since he sustained a torn patellar tendon during an August 3 practice.
The 26-year-old, who signed a multi-year contract extension less than two weeks before the injury, gave an update Monday on his recovery process.
"It's been tough. Feel good, the rehab's been going very well. Just doing everything I can to make sure that I'm 100 percent next year," Slater said. "Obviously, a huge disappointment not being able to contribute this year. Just controlling what I can control and get ready for next year."
Slater noted that he's gotten positive reports during his rehab, which he said is a nine-to-12 month process.
"It's been smooth. All reports have been that it's been going extremely well. I'd say ahead of schedule pretty much the whole time, but just chipping away at it. It's a long rehab, but everything's going smooth," Slater said.
He was later asked about being ready for training camp.
"Just the way things have been going and the way I'm working at it, I have full intent obviously to do that," Slater said. "But of course, everything's going to prioritize just making sure it's 100 percent first. But that's definitely the goal and the plan."
Alt, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury in Week 4 against the Giants but returned in Week 9 against the Vikings. His presence lasted only two games as he further injured the ankle in Week 9.
The second injury knocked him out for the remainder of the 2025 season.
"It was pretty much what you guys saw. I [messed] my ankle up pretty good in all facets. It was a tough blow but we bounced back," Alt said.
He later added: "It was everything you could do to an ankle … I did it, pretty much."
Alt was superb in the six games he started, ranking sixth among all tackles with a pass-blocking grade of 82.3. The Chargers went 5-1 in games where Alt started, with the lone loss coming in Week 4 when he was injured after playing just 10 snaps.
Those six stellar games were enough to earn him his first Pro Bowl nod.
"Extremely grateful," Alt said. "Thankful to everyone who voted for me. It was definitely a surprise at the time … for me it's just gratitude and wanting to get healthy."
Alt said his rehab "has been going really well" and that he is confident it won't affect his offseason training.
"Every day has been getting better and better. Out of the boot now, so close to where I want to be," Alt said.
The hope, of course, is that Alt and Slater both return to full strength and bookend a Chargers offensive line that will look for more consistency in 2026.
Slater said Monday that he already has high expectations for the unit.
"We've got a good group, you know? We do. We really do," Slater said. "Me and [Joe] going down, it hurt.
"But still the way this team fought and battled and made it as far as it did, with completely unforeseen things like that, I love this team," Slater added. "We've got a team full of warriors, a team full of competitors. I'm excited. I'm very excited."
Alt also echoed that sentiment in the locker room, saying there's already a fire burning inside him to help the Chargers offense next season.
"I'm guessing he does. And I know I do," Alt said. "You want to be on the field. That's my favorite part of this.
"Not being out there was really tough and there's a fire to be back out there," Alt added.
The Chargers will have a new offensive coordinator next season.
But the nucleus of the offense, led by Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert, remains on the roster.
First-round running back Omarion Hampton showed plenty of promise as a rookie before an ankle injury set him back while fellow rookies Tre' Harris and Oronde Gadsden each flashed a rapport with Herbert.
Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston have each flashed big-play ability early in their careers, too.
And the return of Slater and Alt could do wonders as the Bolts look for more success in Year 3 under Jim Harbaugh.
"It was obviously tough on both of us," Alt said. "Being able to go through that together and have each other to lean on, we've made it our own competition in the recovery room.
"Just try to make a game out of it because it's tough being out," Alt added. "Being able to battle with each other and battle back has been a lot of fun."
Slater said: "I love ball. This is like what I do every single day. I don't really go on vacation much. I kind of just work out all the time and think about playing football, so it wasn't fun. It wasn't easy, but I'm just excited for the future. I can't really control what happened, just doing everything I can to make sure that next year is better."
