Quarterback Philip Rivers could be without his starting center and left tackle against the Vikings, who tied for the NFL lead with 50 sacks in 2011. Not even a jump in Jared Gaither's activity level could make Tuesday a good day for the Chargers offensive line. The left tackle worked out on the side field at Chargers Park, a positive step for the veteran who has missed nearly the entire training cramp with back spasms. But the positive news for the group was short-lived. Veteran starting center Nick Hardwick later suffered a concussion in practice, and left guard Tyronne Green was already not participating. Hardwick is considered day-to-day, a team spokesman said, putting his availability for Friday's preseason game in question. It is possible Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will be without both his starting left tackle and center against the Vikings, who tied for the NFL lead with 50 sacks in 2011. Dave Molk, a seventh-round pick from Michigan, took first-team reps Tuesday in Hardwick's place. Molk has handled all backup reps in recent weeks after splitting them with Colin Baxter early in camp. It could be veteran center-guard Rex Hadnot, though, who'd start Friday for Hardwick in the preseason game. Hadnot worked at first-team left guard Tuesday with Green out. The nature of Green's absence isn't known. He missed time last week with a minor foot injury before playing against the Cowboys. On Monday, Gaither answered questions about his slow return from a back injury. Less than 24 hours later, he was on the field. The left tackle, who signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal in March, got some work in, but he's still building toward his first practice since July 27. "I think he's making progress," coach Norv Turner said. "I've been saying that for two weeks, and I know it's not as fast as any of us would like. I do believe he is progressing, and he has a ways to go. I have hope that'll be ready to play when we start the regular season." Gaither is not expected to play Friday. Michael Harris, an undrafted rookie, would start his third preseason game. He's taken starter reps throughout most of camp. Turner said Gaither's injury could be a "blessing" of sorts, given Harris' development. That was on sight Tuesday when the Chargers held their second and final dual practice with the Cowboys. "Two or three of the Cowboys coaches said, 'Isn't this a crazy league where you go to the Combine, you do all this, and then there's a guy at UCLA who comes in?'" Turner said. "They were very impressed with Michael. It's just what the nature of the sport is. It's not an exact science. He's going to be a good player for us. "Obviously, I'd like Gaither here, but it's presented an opportunity for Michael, and he's taken advantage of it." Link
Pussies... ...sorry, but I am TIRED of the excuses and the bullshit for why this team WILL NOT perform. I am sick and tired of the fact that MY team is the one who is too weak to play at full strength EVERY MOTHERFUCKING YEAR. Man up, play or retire. I am SERIOUSLY sick of the pussies on this roster. Not just Hardwick. Royal, Gaither, etc. Get your asses on the field and earn your pay or go the fuck away! Jesus! All the dipshits on this team manage to stay healthy! WTF?
Damn Sax maybe it's the medical staff Did Dr. Chao just look at the generic X-Rays from the ER and determine Matthews was OK instead of ordering a full body scan after the accident? With all the focus on the NFL and concussions is this just being cautious? (to avoid future litigation) I have little faith in our medical/conditioning staff but other teams are having similar problems
Just tired of it. The GOOD teams (ie. the ones who are in the playoff hunt EVERY YEAR) seem to have no problem fielding a team with depth, passion and pride in what they do. These guys act like they are STILL "one of the most talented rosters", blah, blah, blah...still buying into six-year old media hype, prancing around like they are self-entitled to strike fear into the hearts of the opposition because blah, blah, blah. This team is gutless, passionless, weak and selfish. They play with no heart, no toughness, no pride. THIS is why they underachieve, along with having a stupid G.M. and the Andy Griffith of Head Coaches. NOBODY does ANYTHING to fire this team up: coaches, players...NOBODY! I would LOVE to see somebody on this team go Woody Hayes on somebody! I want to see some fire and guts. Good teams display this. The Chargers do not. If I hear another year of, "I saw some really good things today" after another stupid loss due to a brainfart, lack of fundamentals or poor game management, I am going to go ballistic! From the owner to last guy to get a roster spot, they need to wake up and make sure they understand what they are doing. NOBODY is doing enough to enable this team to win. NOBODY.
