Jared Gaither not available for San Diego Chargers season opener against Oakland Raiders – NFL News
San Diego chargers have received another blow before the start of the regular season. Starting left tackle Jared Gaither will not be fit enough to participate in the Chargers Week 1 game against Oakland Raiders on September 10, 2012.
Gaither has been out with back spasms since the start of the offseason training camp and was never featured during the preseason games.
Gaither, 26, has a long history of back related problems. While playing for Ravens, Gaither missed the entire 2010 offseason due to back injury.
Gaither’s failure to make it to the first game of the season does not surprise the Chargers as they have been dealing with his slow progress throughout the offseason. Head coach Norv Turner said:
"I don't know if there's been a setback. He hasn't made any progress. That's for sure."
Turner and general manger A.J. Smith are feeling the heat as they go into this season dealing with this difficult situation. Smith said:
"It's a very disappointing situation we have been dealing with the entire training camp. Jared is hurt and not available to us. The clock struck midnight for him after our last preseason game, and we are moving on with Mike Harris."
There are some concerns about whether Gaither will be available for the entire season.
Gaither is currently going through his four-year contract that worth $24.5 million, $9million of which is guaranteed.
Charger acquired Gaither with hopes of getting a long-term replacement of offensive tackle Marcus McNeill.
Coach Turner is facing a drastic situation at the offensive tackle position as they released two tackles to put up the final 53-man roster on Friday, August 31.
Tackle Brandyn Dombrowski is also out with an injury. He has a cyst in his foot and will miss the first six weeks of the season. Talking about the issue of lack of depth, Smith said:
“At one time, our depth was very deep, with Gaither, Dombrowski, Green and Harris. We are adapting right now. Things don’t always go as planned, and you go with the people you have.”
Rookie offensive tackle Mike Harris will be the starter in the season opener.
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