All it takes is an opportunity to get on the playing field, and a Gator is getting that chance.

Former Florida center Jake Slaughter is expected to make his debut for the Los Angeles Chargers in NFL week one against the Arizona Cardinals. The Chargers placed center Tyler Biadasz on the season-ending injury reserve Sunday due to ACL damage and other injuries to his left knee he suffered in a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers last week.

Biadasz signed a three-year, $30 million deal this offseason with LA after departing from Washington. He was expected to serve as the team’s starting center. However, due to the injuries, the rookie center will get the start when the season begins Sept. 13.

Slaughter was selected by the Chargers with the No. 63 pick in this year’s draft after his career with Florida, where he was an Associated Press First Team All-SEC for consecutive years and was an AP First Team All-American in 2024. 

Throughout training camp, the Chargers had Slaughter primarily at left guard to compete for the biggest need on the offensive line. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has been impressed by what he has seen from Slaughter.

“He’s got the ability to process and his athleticism, his strength, it’s all plus-plus,” Harbaugh said Thursday. 

Slaughter got the start Thursday against the 49ers in an exhibition game, but only played nine snaps before being sidelined for the rest of the game.

“I think immediately I felt terrible for Tyler,” Slaughter said after the game. “I know how much all this meant to him and how much he put into all this.”

However, he said he is excited to get back out there and get better.

“It was very challenging, but I felt very welcomed,” he said. “I’m excited to help the team any way I can.”

Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel shared Monday his confidence in Slaughter taking over the starting role. 

“I think it’s hard to replace high-level players such as Tyler, but you’re fortunate when you have a guy that is as capable as Jake waiting in the wings.

“He’s uniquely served appropriately for this type of situation.”