Chuck Cook-USPRESSWIRE
Just prior to the San Diego Chargers’ game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night, we discussed the necessity for the team to stay healthy for any dreams of success this season. Three key components to the team were banged up in that contest and either struggled to finish or couldn’t complete the game. Thankfully the team is very optimistic that each will be available to them in the coming week for their next tilt.
Perhaps the most noticeable injury was the one that left tackle Jared Gaither suffered in the closing moments of the game. It was a groin injury that had him in clear discomfort, but Head Coach Norv Turner says there is no muscle tear and now it is just a matter of soreness. Turner said: “We’ll see where he is as we go through the week. He has a chance to be able to practice and play.” That is tremendous news because the Bolts offensive line is a complete train wreck without him.
Two other injuries happened on the defensive line as both ends Corey Liuget (knee) and Vaughn Martin (stinger) suffered separate issues. Turner expressed more optimism about both of these ailments saying: “We have a practice on Wednesday. Our real game week starts on Thursday. I would expect to have them. I thought Corey was outstanding in the game again. He had an outstanding game last week.” He wasn’t the only one impressed with Liuget as the second-year pro was just on fire in the game with the Saints. Liuget has great instincts and a nose for the football. That skill set makes for a very successful defensive end in a 3-4 alignment.
Thankfully the Chargers seem to have escaped week five without any major injury pitfalls despite the fact that Gaither looked very hobbled out on the field. As Turner stressed, the real test will be on Thursday to see if each of these guys can get out on the practice field. This team has some real potential to make noise if the injury issues don’t continue to rear their ugly head. Hopefully the injury report will continue to be a minimal write-up on a weekly basis.
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