The Chargers are going through a little chaos, with starting tackles Rashwan Slater (torn patellar tendon) and Joe Alt (season-ending ankle surgery) out. This left the line in the hands of sixth-stringers and gave them one of the worst pass-block win rates in the league. And now Mekhi Becton has added fuel to the fire.

“Just stay healthy and try to finish every game — if I’m allowed,” Becton said of his goals for the rest of the season.

While the focus was clear, the “if I’m allowed” part was indicative of his frustration after not being allowed to finish earlier.

According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Becton said that Jacksonville was the first game from which he was pulled without explanation, but that “things are different around here” and “very frustrating for me.”

Becton, the team’s biggest free agent signing, has been battling a concussion, a hand injury, and a knee issue, missing multiple games and feeling like he’s been mishandled compared to his previous stops.

Becton arrived in Los Angeles with a reputation from his 2024 season in Philadelphia, where he posted good numbers as a guard. The contrast between his Eagles high and his current Chargers trouble makes it fair to read his frustration as more than just physical. It may also signal regret over leaving a situation that once let him thrive.

His recent comments only make the drama louder: Becton is frustrated with Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers staff over how they’ve managed his injuries and usage. This also includes being pulled mid-play or being benched randomly, even after returning from injury.

During the Week 11 35-6 loss to the Jaguars, Becton was benched in the third quarter for Jamaree Salyer (assumed injury-related), leading to an emotional sideline reaction before re-entering; he called it “something new to me.” Harbaugh dodged assessing Becton’s season, citing his “rule” against public critiques, fueling perceptions of discord.

Is Mekhi Becton’s performance a part of the Chargers’ problems?

Struggling through injuries and inconsistent play, Becton ranks near the bottom among NFL guards, particularly in run blocking, where he is second to last this season. His frustrations on the sideline and limited availability have fueled tension, though Harbaugh has avoided public critique, sticking to his policy of addressing performance privately. With the Chargers sitting at 7-4 and eyeing the playoffs, patience for disruptions is thin, and while benching Becton remains a possibility, it could further complicate an already fragile offensive line situation.

With injuries forcing Jamaree Salyer into action at left tackle, right guard depth is thin, leaving options like Foster Sarell or Andre James, neither of whom has proven reliable, while Bobby Hart remains sidelined.

Becton, despite near-bottom grades in run blocking (second-to-last) and middling pass protection, has played 57% of snaps this season; benching him risks further destabilizing an already fragile interior line. Harbaugh has stayed silent publicly, but removing Becton could still create tension in the locker room during a 7-4 playoff push.

The Chargers haven’t played a game since November 16th in a loss against the Jaguars. Their next game is on November 30th. They will be up against the less-than-optimal Raiders next, who aren’t much of a threat on paper. But if the dynamics don’t improve for the Chargers, the playoff picture could become blurry in the coming days, though they currently stand at a strong 63%.