Chargers sign veteran tackle Jon Runyan; lose Clary for season

The San Diego Chargers signed veteran free agent tackle Jon Runyan today to the active roster. Runyan replaces starting right tackle Jeromey Clary on the roster after Clary was placed on Reserve-Injured with an ankle injury.

Runyan, who turns 36 on Friday, has been one of the NFL’s premier offensive tackles over the previous 13 seasons. His career statistics demonstrate a model of consistency and durability. The past 12 seasons (1997-08), he never missed a regular season or postseason start, totaling 213 straight games (192 consecutive regular season starts and 21 postseason starts).

"We are very fortunate that a player of Jon’s experience and ability was available at this time," said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith. "He is an outstanding competitor, and I have always admired the physical, nasty approach he brings to the field every game. He will be added to the mix and we will move forward."

During his career, Runyan has played in two Super Bowls, including Super Bowl XXXIV with Tennessee following the 1999 season and Super Bowl XXXIX with Philadelphia following the ’04 season; five Championship Games, and the Pro Bowl following the 2002 season.

Runyan, 6-7, 330, played collegiately at Michigan where he was selected in the fourth round (109th overall) in 1996 by the Houston Oilers. He played for Houston/Tennessee from 1996-99 before joining the Eagles as an unrestricted free agent in 2000. Runyan started every game for Philadelphia at right tackle from 2000-08.