As if the team's opening weekend 18-17 loss to the Cardinals was not a bitter enough pill to swallow, the San Diego Chargers received another dose of bad news when one of the team’s most consistent performers, starting center Nick Hardwick, was lost for the remainder of the season and placed on the Reserve-Injured list due to a neck injury.
“Nick is a warrior; a true pro’s pro,” Head Coach Mike McCoy said. “We’ve been spoiled by his excellence over the years. Players with his physical skills, leadership ability and intangibles don’t come around every year. He is a special player to coach and a great guy for the organization.”
Hardwick left the Cardinals game in the second quarter with an apparent ankle injury and did not return. However, he also has a history of "stinger" problems, and recently suffered a neck injury during the preseason against the San Francisco 49ers.
“Nick is one of the best, if not the best, at his position to ever play for the Chargers,” said General Manager Tom Telesco. “In my 20 years in the NFL, he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever been around. We’ll miss him in the lineup, but we have complete confidence in Rich (Ohrnberger) and the other players to step up and do the job.”
The loss of Hardwick raises concerns about the impact on the offense's running game and pass protection, although Ohrnberger performed well off the bench in relief.
Hardwick came to the Chargers as a third-round draft choice in 2004 and has started all 136 games he has played in the NFL, including the last 67 in a row.
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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