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Los Angeles Chargers News & Rumors

Chargers Place Donald Butler On IR

December 15th, 2014 at 5:52pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers announced that they have placed Donald Butler on the injured reserve with a dislocated elbow. With the inside linebacker out for the year, the Bolts promoted cornerback Greg Ducre off the practice squad to the active roster and signed quarterback Brad Sorensen to the practice squad.

Butler, 26, re-signed with the Chargers in March rather than hitting the open market. While we don’t know what other clubs might have offered him, Butler was paid hansomely to forego free agency. Butler’s deal covers seven years with a total potential value of $51.8MM with $11.15MM guaranteed at signing. It’s yet another season dragged down by injuries for Butler, who ranked 45th among 55 qualified inside linebackers in 2013, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). This season, he ranks an abysmal 59th out of 60 qualified inside linebackers.

Ducre was signed to San Diego’s taxi squad last week just days after being let go by Washington. The 22-year-old (23 in January) was a superstar in camp with the Chargers this past season, so it’s not a huge surprise to see him get the promotion.

Sorensen, 26, was drafted 221st overall in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Chargers. The Southern Utah product was cut loose this past August but the Bolts have obviously kept his number handy. Sorensen spent some time on the Titans’ taxi squad this season and auditioned for the Texans, Panthers, Seahawks, Vikings, Bills, and Patriots once he was let go in late September.

Injury Updates: Monday

December 15th, 2014 at 2:51pm CST by Luke Adams

With just two weeks left in the NFL regular season, injuries that may not have been long-term problems earlier in the year could now end a player’s season. We’ll keep tabs right here on the latest updates on the ailments that could prompt roster moves or significantly alter a team’s plans:

  • While several players will be placed on injured reserve lists this week, ending their seasons, one player will come off IR — Bills running back C.J. Spiller is expected to be activated from IR-DTR, though it’s not clear how much of a role he’ll have for Buffalo in Week 16, or if he’ll even play (Twitter link).
  • A source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) that Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall suffered a mid-foot sprain, and Mike Klis of the Denver Post writes that Marshall is expected to miss a week or two with the injury. While Marshall should return this season, fellow Denver linebacker Danny Trevathan won’t, according to Klis, who says Trevathan dislocated his left kneecap and will have to undergo surgery.
  • Lions right tackle LaAdrian Waddle partially tore his ACL yesterday and will miss the rest of the season, says Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
  • Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole has a broken hand, and his status for the rest of the season is uncertain, a source tells Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link).
  • Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said today on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas that running back DeMarco Murray will have surgery on a broken bone in his hand (Twitter link via SiriusXM NFL Radio). Providing specifics on the injury, Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com notes (via Twitter) that Emmitt Smith once missed a game after undergoing a similar surgery. It sounds as if Murray will be questionable for Week 16, but shouldn’t miss much – if any – time.
  • Key 49ers special teamer Kassim Osgood also broke a bone in his hand and likely won’t play in the club’s final two games, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
  • Chargers linebacker Donald Butler dislocated his left elbow and is a candidate for IR, according to head coach Mike McCoy, who says the club is exploring its options (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune).

Injury Updates: Sunday

December 14th, 2014 at 9:01pm CST by Dallas Robinson

We’ll keep track of the latest injury news here, with the newest updates added to the top of the list…

  • Lions‘ right tackle LaAdrian Waddle left today’s game with a right knee injury, according to Josh Katzenstein of DetroitNews.com. Waddle’s teammates were not optimistic about the injury, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • Seahawks‘ left tackle Russell Okung was forced out of the matchup with the 49ers before halftime with a chest injury, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
  • The 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention earlier today, and were down to their third string running back at times. We heard that Frank Gore was knocked out of the game with a head injury, which was diagnosed as a concussion, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News (via Twitter).
  • Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy hyperextended his knee, an injury that could end his season, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. With no chance of playoffs and the 2015 top pick in their grasp, keeping McCoy on the sidelines for the final two games could be the smart long-term decision for the team.
  • Washington lost two starters earlier today, with left tackle Trent Williams and quarterback Colt McCoy both leaving the game and not returning, reports Tarik-El Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Williams suffered a shoulder injury, while McCoy aggravated his neck during the game.

Earlier updates:

  • After having his right ankle taped during the first half of today’s game against the Broncos, Chargers receiver Keenan Allen had to be carted off the field during the second half, tweets Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. It’s unclear whether Allen re-aggravated his ankle ailment, or suffered a new injury.
  • Texans quarterback Tom Savage was limping after today’s game against the Colts, and will have an MRI tomorrow, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Savage, selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft, was filling in for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is likely lost for the year. If Savage can’t go next week, Houston would presumably turn to journeyman Thad Lewis, who was signed less than a month ago.
  • 49ers running back Frank Gore is headed to the locker room after suffering an head injury while blocking in today’s game against the Seahawks, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link).
  • The Ravens’ secondary has been ravaged by injuries this season, and it appears as though they’ve lost a few more key defenders. Rookie safety Terrence Brooks‘ season is over after he suffered damage to his PCL and possibly his MCL on a kickoff today, while cornberback Asa Jackson‘s status is unclear after he injured his PCL, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • Another AFC North team is down several players in its defensive backfield, as Browns corners Joe Haden (shoulder) and Joe Haden (concussion) were forced from today’s game against the Bengals, according to Tony Grossi of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
  • Starting in the absence of an injured Zach Mettenberger, Titans quarterback Jake Locker suffered what appears to a shoulder injury after taking a hit from the Jets’ Quinton Coples, per Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Charlie Whitehurst has taken over at QB for Tennessee.

Rams, Chargers “Race” To Los Angeles

December 14th, 2014 at 9:24am CST by Rob DiRe

SUNDAY, 9:24am: Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that Eric Grubman, the NFL executive overseeing the relocation process, “acknowledged that there were multiple teams with the intent of moving to Los Angeles as soon as next season.” Grubman, speaking at last week’s owner’s meeting in Dallas, added that there were a number of options as to when and where those teams might relocate within the Los Angeles region. The most significant part of Grubman’s statement, however, was his reaffirmation that the NFL will have complete control over the process. As La Canfora writes, “it will be the league’s decision which team or teams, and on which timeline, they move to Los Angeles.” La Canfora adds that Rams officials are the most frustrated with the current pace of the process.

SATURDAY, 7:37pm: The NFL says it’s unclear if there will be an application for relocation to L.A. for 2015, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link). The window for those applications is January 1st through February 15th, which is right around the corner.

SATURDAY, 9:54am: As reports surface about which teams could potentially find a new home in Los Angeles, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report took to Twitter to clarify the situation. In a series of tweets, Cole writes that the Rams and Chargers are essentially in a race to get to L.A. first (via Twitter).

The belief is that two teams will eventually make their way to Hollywood, but even though the Rams and Chargers are the top choices to get there first, it doesn’t mean those two will go together. The Raiders are trying to find a way to be the second team to move into the market. Although the team has a strong connection to the city, they cannot afford to move there themselves (via Twitter).

The Raiders have explored moving to Los Angeles and using the Rose Bowl and/or the Coliseum through UCLA and USC, respectively, but were told there is no interest in hosting the franchise on an interim basis (via Twitter). Since neither venue will take the Raiders while a new stadium is being built, the team needs someone else to build an NFL stadium in the city (via Twitter). The Raiders would need either the Rams or Chargers to move there first, saving the Raiders the time and money needed to build for themselves.

The Chargers were at one point considered the favorite to move, but Cole writes that the team does not want to leave San Diego (via Twitter). However, management realizes the team will not be able to remain at Qualcomm Stadium long term.

The Rams have their own holdups, as Cole writes that owner Stan Kroenke is hesitant to spend the money needed to invest in the move (via Twitter). The Rams have had the most discussions about moving, particularly in Inglewood.

Another option is an AEG Project the NFL is pushing, but neither the Chargers nor the Rams seem interested in the option (via Twitter). That deal would focus on bringing in only one team, so the Raiders wouldn’t draw much interest either (via Twitter).

NFC Notes: Bears, Saints, Giants

December 13th, 2014 at 6:25pm CST by Ben Levine

The Aaron Kromer saga continues in Chicago. It was revealed yesterday that the Bears offensive coordinator was the anonymous source who claimed the organization had doubts about Jay Cutler as their quarterback. Kromer eventually addressed those comments (via ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright):

“I made a very poor decision of talking about things outside the building and I admit that, can’t take that back. But I recognize I made a mistake. When I did, [I] instantly went right to the offensive unit and apologized as well as apologized to Jay in front of the offense that he was singled out in the situation. I wish I wouldn’t have made that mistake. It’s happened, and we’re a group and a unit. We worked it out together. The rest will be handled internally, and we’ll work through that.”

Meanwhile, head coach Marc Trestman gave a brief opinion on the situation:

“I was clearly disappointed with Aaron. He clearly knows what he did was wrong.”

Let’s take a look at some other assorted notes from around the NFC…

  • A couple of teams had their eye on Bears quarterback David Fales prior to his promotion from the practice squad. Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times says (via Twitter) that the Patriots and Chargers had interest in the sixth-round pick.
  • Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun tweeted a list of players who tried out for the Saints: kicker Dustin Hopkins and wide receivers Michael Campbell, Danny Coale, Willie Snead and Ifeanyi Momah.
  • Saints coach Sean Payton dismissed reports that he’d be a candidate for the open Michigan job, stating he has “no interest in any other job but this one” (via team’s Twitter).
  • Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News explored the Giants draft options outside of the quarterback position. The writer mentioned Nebraska defensive lineman Randy Gregory, Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff, Alabama wideout Amari Cooper, and Alabama safety Landon Collins.

West Notes: Raiders, Cardinals, Broncos

December 12th, 2014 at 7:40pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Let’s check out the latest from the West divisions, where the Broncos signed cornerback Chris Harris to a five-year extension earlier this evening…

  • Raiders owner Mark Davis gave general manager Reggie McKenzie another vote of confidence today, perhaps mitigating the sentiment that McKenzie won’t last in Oakland past this season. “He is my guy right now, absolutely,” Davis told Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News (Twitter link). While the “right now” qualifier could lead to speculation that McKenzie is still a candidate to be fired, Davis has given similar declarations before, and the Raiders have won two of their past three games.
  • Because Drew Stanton is expected to return at some point this season, the Cardinals will probably opt to sign just a practice-squad quarterback, if they sign one at all, head coach Bruce Arians told Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter).
  • John Fox expects other teams to be interested in interviewing his coordinators for head-coaching positions, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Broncos OC Adam Gase is only 36 years old but he was a candidate for several jobs last offseason, while DC Jack Del Rio would offer previous experience as a head coach, having served in that role with the Jaguars from 2003-11.
  • Chargers defensive end Dwight Freeney and tight end Antonio Gates are getting up there in years, but it sounds like both men have different things in mind for 2015, as Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego writes. Freeney will weigh retirement after this season while Gates has every intention of finishing out his contract, which runs through next year.
  • Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett is playing on nearly 30% more snaps than he did last season, and he believes his four-year, $28.5MM contract is the impetus for the increase. “When they pay you a lot of money they want you on the field all the time,” Bennett told Terry Blount of ESPN.com. “That’s just how it is.”

Zach Links contributed to this post.

West Notes: Kaepernick, Cardinals, Chargers

December 12th, 2014 at 9:52am CST by Zachary Links

The Cardinals pulled out a gutsy 12-6 win over the Rams last night and Arizona coach Bruce Arians took some time to gloat after the game, as Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com writes. “Everybody wanted to talk all that stuff about how great their defense is. I think they saw a good defense tonight, it was in red and white,” Arians said before talking about his team’s 143 rushing yards. “We blocked them. I think they had been reading their press clippings way too much.” More out of the AFC and NFC West..

  • 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has regressed this season and Joel Corry of the National Football Post looks at how SF can bail out of his contract, if they so choose. Cutting bait after this season would essentially mean admitting a major mistake and giving Kaepernick a $12MM windfall, so that leaves only a trade or restructuring his contract. A trade probably wouldn’t bring a return comparable to the second-round pick used to select him, so Corry zeroes in on what a restructured deal might look like.
  • In the event that Drew Stanton is done for the season, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (via Twitter) suggests that the Cardinals should look at any and all recently retired starting quarterbacks. From the view of the QBs, it’s a month long deal with one last shot at glory, so it could be a very enticing opportunity to some. Stanton hurt his knee last night after being sacked by Aaron Donald and the team is awaiting MRI results to find out the severity of the injury.
  • Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today Sports sat down with Chargers GM Tom Telesco for a wide ranging Q&A that included a discussion on Manti Te’o‘s development since being drafted in 2013. The linebacker came into the NFL as a household name for non-football reasons but has yet to make his presence felt due to injuries.

Minor Moves: Thursday

December 11th, 2014 at 6:40pm CST by Luke Adams

As NFL teams around the league make minor tweaks to their 53-man rosters and practice squads, we’ll round up those transactions in this post, with the latest moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:

  • The Chargers signed cornerback Greg Ducre to the practice squad, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego (via Twitter). Ducre, who gained a lot of fans within the Bolts organization during his time in camp, was waived by Washington just a few days ago. To make room, the Chargers waived former San Diego State University offensive lineman Bryce Quigley.
  • The Saints have filled the two openings on their practice squad, signing fullback Toben Opurum and wide receiver Willie Snead, per Mike Triplett of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
  • After placing Morgan Moses on IR, as noted below, Washington promoted running back Chris Thompson to the active roster, then signed tackle Edawn Coughman to the practice squad (Twitter link). According to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times (via Twitter), the club had been telling Thompson for weeks that he’d be promoted by the end of the season.

Earlier updates:

  • The Bengals used the open spot on their practice squad to add another Geathers to the mix — defensive tackle Kwame Geathers joins the organization that also employs his brother Robert Geathers, the team announced today (Twitter link).
  • Washington head coach Jay Gruden told reporters today that rookie offensive lineman Morgan Moses is being placed on injured reserve due to a Lisfranc injury suffered in practice (Twitter link). So far, the club hasn’t added a player to its 53-man roster to take Moses’ spot.
  • The Seahawks have now officially signed defensive lineman David King, in a move reported yesterday, tweets Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Condotta adds that the corresponding move sees the team release linebacker Allen Bradford.
  • The Saints have filled the lone opening on their 53-man roster by promoting receiver Seantavius Jones from their practice squad, a source told Ramon Antonio Vargas of The Advocate today. Adding a wideout to the roster makes sense, considering the open spot was created by the release of Joe Morgan.

AFC West Notes: Streater, Mathews, Workouts

December 11th, 2014 at 3:55pm CST by Luke Adams

Having carried 52 players instead of 53 since Tuesday, it appeared as if the Raiders were saving a roster spot for wide receiver Rod Streater, who received the designation to return earlier in the year, and is now eligible to come off the IR list. However, Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports (via Twitter) that Streater will be inactive for the rest of the season, rehabbing his foot injury and preparing for the 2015 campaign. That means that open spot on Oakland’s 53-man roster will likely be used on another player.

Let’s round up a few more items from around the AFC West….

  • After five up and down seasons in San Diego, Ryan Mathews will be eligible for unrestricted free agency at season’s end, and Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune believes the running back’s time left with the Chargers can be measured in weeks. In Acee’s view, Mathews’ injury history should have the team looking for other options, in spite of the 27-year-old’s obvious talents.
  • We previously heard that the Broncos worked out former Dolphins quarterback Seth Lobato this week, but the team auditioned a dozen more players, including five wide receivers, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. The full list: WR Chandler Jones, WR Jeremy Kelley, WR Alex Neutz, WR Kerry Taylor, WR Kyle Williams, RB Tim Cornett, RB Turner Petersen, TE Jake Byrne, TE Xavier Grimble, OL Bruce Doyle, OL Andrew Miller, and DE Shawn Lemon.
  • Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun passes along details on the Raiders‘ most recent visits and workouts, in a pair of tweets: Oakland tried out tight end running backs Terrance Cobb and Ronnie Wingo, as well as wide receiver Clyde Gates. The club also received a visit from running back David Fluellen.
  • The Chiefs worked out wide receiver Corbin Louks and defensive end Zach Thompson, Wilson adds in another tweet.

West Links: Seahawks, Raiders, Chargers

December 10th, 2014 at 9:29pm CST by Ben Levine

Following coach Gary Anderson‘s departure to Oregon State, a head coaching job at Wisconsin suddenly opened up. Both Albert Breer and ProFootballTalk (via Twitter) suggested that Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell would be a worthy candidate for the job.

The former Badgers quarterback was asked about the coaching vacancy following Seattle’s practice (via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times):

“Being a head coach someday is of interest to me. I would say I have thought about college. I don’t know exactly at this point where it would be or what it would be. But I do feel like I want to be a head coach someday.”

Bevell was the Badgers quarterback from 1992-1995, when he set several single-game and career passing records.

Let’s check out some more notes from the NFL’s western divisions…

  • Bill Williamson of ESPN.com writes that Jack Del Rio could be included in the Raiders inevitable head coaching search. “He has experience, he is doing well in his current job, he is from the East Bay Area and he is highly respected around the league,” Williamson says of the Broncos‘ defensive coordinator.
  • Williamson adds in a tweet that Jim Harbaugh would be the Raiders top choice for the job, noting that the 49ers coach is a more realistic target than Jon Gruden. However, the writer warns that securing Harbaugh’s services “may not be easy.”
  • The Chargers signed Mat McBriar yesterday, but that wasn’t the only punter the team looked at. According to Howard Balzer (on Twitter), the team also worked out Robert Malone, Zoltan Mesko and Brian Moorman.
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