Chargers Place SS Bob Sanders on Injured-Reserve, Sign DL Tommie Harris
by Wonko on Sep 28, 2011 1:57 PM PDT
in San Diego Chargers News
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The Chargers were in need of more depth on their defensive line and they had to make room on the roster in order to do that. From that perspective this move is not at all surprising. However, the names involved are enough to catch one off guard. Bob Sanders was signed this offseason to be a playemaker. Sure, he's had plenty of injury problems in the past, but the Chargers have known for years that they needed more out of the safety position and a healthy Bob Sanders could do that. Things looked good in the preseason, but it only took a couple regular season games before Sanders had to miss multiple practices. The Chargers stayed mum about the severity of Sanders' current injury issues, but they brought back Paul Oliver as insurance and then left Sanders off the active roster for the game against the Chiefs. Something was up and now we know that something was serious. So, once again Bob Sanders will earn a paycheck while resting on injured reserve and the Chargers are left with a safety situation that is almost exactly the same as the one they had last year.
As for the newest Charger, he shares some similarities with Bob Sanders. He hasn't missed nearly the time that Sanders has, but he's definitely been injury prone. Also, like Sanders he's played at a very high level when he's been healthy. In 2004, he finished 2nd in the defensive rookie of the year voting in his debut season for the Chicago Bears. The next year he made his first Pro Bowl. In 2006, he suffered a severe hamstring injury and had to miss the end of the season. That included the Bears playoff run that ended with a Super Bowl loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He made the Pro Bowl that year as well. Despite the injury the Bears rewarded him with a big contract (the Colts did the same with Sanders) and he did make another Pro Bowl that next season. However, that would be his last as injuries limited his role over the next few seasons. The Colts brought him into their camp this season, but cut him before week 1.
When Harris was in his prime he was compared to former Tampa Bay and Oakland great Warren Sapp. He was a guy that played in the opposing team's backfield and did it under Head Coach Lovie Smith who had also coached Sapp in Tampa. He was quick and strong and could beat offensive linemen like few can. However, the Chargers will not ask him to be that player. The Chargers still play the 3-4 and ask their defensive linemen to take on double teams and hold up offensive linemen so that the linebackers can make plays. Can Harris transition to become that type of player? Or do the Chargers have a role in mind for him that will fit his current skillset? I'm sure we'll find out soon since in all likelihood they'll need him to be part of the defensive line rotation come Sunday afternoon.
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i, for one, expected the end to be more dramatic…
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Sep 28, 2011 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Like he
would burst into flames?
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 28, 2011 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
not flames
but I was definitely looking for some sort of mass → energy conversion that resulted in his being put on the IR
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Sep 28, 2011 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
crap
I had high hopes for the Bob Sanders experiment…
So who had “2 games” in the “How many games will Bob Sanders last” pool?
by jkvandal on Sep 28, 2011 2:03 PM PDT via iPhone app reply actions
Very Sad...
Sucks for the Bolts and for Sanders, he seemed like a good fit, just unfortunately bad luck stayed on his side with injuries… I hope for him that he can get healthy and continue his career next season wherever that may be (maybe even here).
I like the pickup of Harris, good, tough player and we needed some extra depth right now on the line.
Just sucks big time that our secondary will miss someone in Sanders who could’ve been a valuable play maker if he was healthy.
as much hope as we had, it was bound to happen...
this makes me more concerned about the raiders, they seem to be a legit threat.
"Watch out where the huskies go, don't you eat that yellow snow."- Zappa
Bob is going to be great on the Patriots next year
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 2:12 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
I would rec this
but I fear that will make it come true.
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Sep 28, 2011 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
There’s a much stronger possibility that he wins 20 games with the Yankees, actually. Which would be equally frustrating.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Man, you really want that rec
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Sep 28, 2011 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions
George Bush Senior Speaking
Nat gonna do it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzaTibPchKs&feature=related
The Patriots already have Pat Chung who is having a much better season then Sanders was having.
by PatsR18andDONEwithoutCHEATING on Sep 28, 2011 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Way to get the joke.
Bolts from the Blue // "I eat cereal out of a giant novelty wine glass because it makes me feel fancy." - Britney Wade
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
by Richard Wade on Sep 28, 2011 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ok I'll start it
since we need help on rushing the passer we should switch to the 43 and trade for OSI……………YEAH!!!
A.J. has always liked Osi as a 3-4 OLB
No need to switch to the 4-3 after all!
"Beating the Red Sox feels SO GOOD.! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!" -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I don't see
the G-Men letting go of Osi.
"follow @radio2012, trust me, you will find his optimism, innocence, and honesty quite refreshing. as a jaded bastard, i sure do." justdave2103
http://twitter.com/#!/radio2012
by Jonathan Holmes on Sep 28, 2011 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't see
You realizing that this is tongue-in-cheek without me telling you.
"Beating the Red Sox feels SO GOOD.! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!" -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
by Wonko on Sep 28, 2011 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
#DOTSY
"Los Angeles is like San Diego’s older, uglier sister that has herpes." - Justin Halpern
Gaslamp Ball Wiki - All you need to know about Gaslamp Ball, its members, and all the inside jokes
Bolts from the Blue
Green! This needs to be green.
Bolts from the Blue // "I eat cereal out of a giant novelty wine glass because it makes me feel fancy." - Britney Wade
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
by Richard Wade on Sep 28, 2011 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
IT IS
"Los Angeles is like San Diego’s older, uglier sister that has herpes." - Justin Halpern
Gaslamp Ball Wiki - All you need to know about Gaslamp Ball, its members, and all the inside jokes
Bolts from the Blue
It's worth noting
For those that don’t keep up the Chargers news on twitter, that Sanders was a big part of this decision. He didn’t feel like he could be the player he wanted to be with his current health. This wasn’t as simple as looking at an MRI and saying, “Yeah, you’re done for the year.”
"Beating the Red Sox feels SO GOOD.! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!" -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Honestly
I would’ve been alright with him becoming a backup or special teams player for that small contract. Playing a total of 2.5 games over the last 2 seasons is going to be tough to recover from.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it might also be
because he saw the injury situation on the team. Maybe he felt like he was taking a roster spot that could be filled by a new, healthy player.
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Sep 28, 2011 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I've seen speculation
that Harris might mostly be brought in for nickel downs.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 28, 2011 2:20 PM PDT reply actions
I almost wrote that
But didn’t quite know how to explain why that would be the case (as it relates to how the other defensive linemens skills and roles).
"Beating the Red Sox feels SO GOOD.! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!" -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
How good of shape will he be in?
I know he has probably been working out, but he has not played an actual NFL game since…? Will he even be ready to play against the phons?
North Texas REALLY needs a Rubio's franchise.
by SDNativeinTX on Sep 28, 2011 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
er, phins.
North Texas REALLY needs a Rubio's franchise.
by SDNativeinTX on Sep 28, 2011 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
He'd be a better option
in our 2-4-5 nickel defense than Cam Thomas, who offers very little in terms of a pass-rush from that spot.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I didn't think that Thomas was in on those downs last time
I know Liuget was before the injury. Would make sense for him to take those snaps.
"Beating the Red Sox feels SO GOOD.! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!" -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
It was mostly Thomas/Garay vs Chiefs
At least that’s what I saw. I remember because I was rooting for more Martin there.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Judging by Martin's stamina (or lack thereof) against the Patriots
I could see why they might do that.
"Beating the Red Sox feels SO GOOD.! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!" -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Right
I was also looking for OG, but I think that was probably just frustration about Cam not getting upfield.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
4-2-5 nickel, he is basically playing like he was in the 4-3 I think.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 28, 2011 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Colts fan speaking
Well Chargers fans all I gotta say is, I told you Bob Sanders was a walking injury. Can’t say I didn’t warn you. Sorry for your loss.
PS.
As a Colts fan who wanted to see Bob get injured this season, I gotta say it’s sad his injury came against the Patriots, I was hoping it would come against someone like the Chiefs. And it’s also interesting Bob got injured in a blowout. All his injuries (at least the serous ones) with the Colts came in close games or at least ones that were decided by 10 points or less. So I guess as A Colts fans I am surprised Sanders season ending injury came during a blowout and it came during a game with the Patriots, that never happened to him as a Colt in the I think 5 maybe 4 games he played against the Patriots. And again Charger fans although I’ve been praying all along Bob Sanders would get injured this season I am terribly sorry his season ending injury had to come against the Patriots.
by PatsR18andDONEwithoutCHEATING on Sep 28, 2011 2:21 PM PDT reply actions
We all accepted the possibility
It was a risk-reward thing for most of us. He came cheap.
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Sep 28, 2011 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Not really
The Colts offered him a 2 year deal worth about 5.5 million that could have been 6 million he turned down. And we offered him his remaining contract on a per game roster bonus allowing him to earn his money back by starting most of the games in the season and if we made the playoffs (keep in mind this was before we knew about Peyton Manning’s injury) playing in the playoffs. But he wouldn’t take that and I can’t say I blame him, I wouldn’t want to be on any type of per game roster bonus if I were always injured either. The Colts still oh Bob 2.5 million according to Coltzilla (not the most reliable source) and would have had to pay him 5 mill last season if he would have stayed a Colt. So my guess is since his deal in SD to my knowledge was never announced some due to the lockout, you guys were giving him about 4 mill on a one year deal since that’s exactly what Jeremy Shockey and Shaun Rogers got with the Saints and Panthers and according to Coltzilla since his 2.5 mill was due in 2 years that would give him the 5 mill the Colts would have oahed him this season if he was not cut. That’s not much, but it’s still money that could have been saved either way it’s not like Bob was a big risk for you either. 4 mill wouldn’t have got your team Kevin Burnett back and it’s not like your team lost any other big name superstars, you guys still managed to sign Eric Weddle, Maclom Floyd, Antwan Barnes (who I might ad is having an amazing season). and V-Jax. So I agree with you although he didn’t come cheap, signing Bob for the Chargers was still a low risk high reward signing.
by PatsR18andDONEwithoutCHEATING on Sep 28, 2011 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
It's spelled "owe"
Now I know you’re trolling.
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Sep 28, 2011 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sanders signed for 1 mil
Vet min, because, well, San Diego.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 29, 2011 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions
You wanted a guy who helped your team win the SB to get hurt?
That’s pretty shitty.
Also:
So I guess as A Colts fans I am surprised Sanders season ending injury came during a blowout and it came during a game with the Patriots
Which blowout are you referring to? The one where the bolts had a chance to win in the 4th quarter? And why should a player be any less hurt in a blowout? You can get injured on any given play in any given game. Hell, Castillo got injured on a non-play!
by CABurrito on Sep 28, 2011 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yep that's the one
as in the one you guys lost by 2 touch downs in. Maybe you guys had a slim chance at winning that game but that’s about it.
by PatsR18andDONEwithoutCHEATING on Sep 28, 2011 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
At one point in the 4th quarter it was 20-14 Pats and we were driving in their territory.
I’m guessing you didn’t watch the game.
What ever, it's still very odd Bob Sanders got injured during a Pats game
When he was with the Colts he only missed 3 of their 8 meetings with the 18* and DONE without CHEATING Patriots and never even came close to getting injured. Plus the Pats aren’t really that physical of an NFL team especially now since they don’t have a defense.
I mean look at all the teams Bob had serous injuries against when he was with the Colts
2006-Broken Collar Bone-I dunno who it was against, but I do know the injury happened when the Colts either played the Titans, one of the 2 NY teams, or the Texans all 4 teams except maybe the Titans had a pretty physical defense.
2008-Injured against the Chargers with Shawne Marrimen on the team that was pretty physical team.
2008-Again injured this time against the Vikings in a close defensive physical game.
2009-IR for the first time in his career against a very physical (at least that day) niners team.
2010-IR first game against the Texans who that year were more physical with us then the Raiders had been with your Chargers in a long time at least.
PS.
I did see some of the game but I didn’t see the 4th qtr. But from what I saw the Bolts D looked awful and the Bolts had as much as I really really hate to say it no chance against the 18* and DONE without CHEATING Patriots but then again that is only referring to the first 3 quarters of the game. But don’t worry in a year the Pats fat bastard CHEATER coach will be gone in 2 seasons after 4 straight opening round playoff exits.
by PatsR18andDONEwithoutCHEATING on Sep 28, 2011 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Your 'whatever'
Was the clue that you don’t know what you’re talking about. After that, there was no need to read on.
It's NEVER a shrimp on the barbie. It's not even a shrimp.
by The Land Of Real Beer on Sep 29, 2011 4:10 AM PDT up reply actions
What??
I don’t understand what you are trying to say here. Bob Sanders plays SAFETY so why would it matter how physical the opposing teams defense is. As far as I know you don’t line up your defense when the other teams defense is on the field.
"losing Antonio Gates in your secondary is like losing an elephant in your bathroom"
by If I were President on Sep 29, 2011 7:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Your schtick is too elaborate and verbose to decipher
And I’m lazy. Go to Pats Pulpit with your asshattery
Thanks for the I told you so
most of us thought that a Sanders injury was a good possibility as well.. Oh yea and sorry that Manning is hurt and the colts are now the worst team in the league.
by JeromeB on Sep 28, 2011 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'm also a Colts fan
And this dude is a moron. Ignore him and go about your day.
With the 16th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft the Indiana Pacers select Thomas Robinson, Kansas
by IndyPacers on Sep 28, 2011 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 18 recs
please take all of my rec's
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
So much fail
Really. First of all your handle is pathetic. Insecure much? Second, the fact that Sanders was an injury risk was the furthest thing from being a secret. You’re not exactly a detective for figuring that out, Captain Obvious. After that, you obviously didn’t even watch the Pats game because the Chargers were in position to take the lead several times throughout the game, including the 4th quarter. Even at that, 14 isn’t really a blowout. Idiot. Next, only a complete idiot would think the opponent and/or score has anything to do with an injury. Correlation doesn’t imply causation. Have you ever heard that before? Critical thinking isn’t your strong suit, is it? Finally, and most importantly, you freely admit you wanted another human being, one who helped your team win a Super Bowl, to get injured in such a way that he couldn’t finish a season. What the hell is wrong with you? Jay Cutler is the biggest douche in the league but I can honestly say I wouldn’t wish that he was injured and put on IR. But you’ve been PRAYING all along that Sanders would get injured? Do you even remotely realize how insane that is? Not only that, why the hell do you even care? Again, insecure much? Wow. If you are in any way a decent human being, you certainly can’t tell from your post.
You're disqualified
From being any kind of fan for wishing someone hurt. Also makes you not much of a human. We hope Peyton gets better soon. Adios.
It's NEVER a shrimp on the barbie. It's not even a shrimp.
by The Land Of Real Beer on Sep 28, 2011 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions
When I look at who else was out there at DL
I think it is worth a shot to see what Harris can do. At least he was a big time player at one time and he isn’t old.
Wish it would have worked out with Sanders, I am glad that they brought Oliver back last week or things could have got really ugly at Safety.
Talented Dude...
Shame about his frequent injuries, but i guess the irony of it all is that the same thing that made him great (his hard hitting style), was probably the same thing that caused a lot of his injury problems.
I hope for him that he can recover because he came here and put in a lot of work and tried hard to be a leader, hopefully he has made some friends here and can stick around to support the team.
6 month BFTB reader, first time commenter
This is what I pop my comment cherry on? How depressing.On a more serious note, are we going to be seeing Phillips taking all those snaps like he did last year? The strong side of that defense looks bleak with injuries to Castillo and Sanders now, it’s slightly reassuring to know Jammer is on that side with his spectacular run support (relatively as a DB).But I’m not too sure about our ability to stop power running teams like the Raiders and the Jets (whenever they remember who they actually are/ get Mangold back). I guess the point of my post is that where are we going to find an answer for that side of the defense? I don’t believe in Mr. Harris like many of the optimists here do.
by By any Natrone Necessary on Sep 28, 2011 3:09 PM PDT reply actions
Sorry
Are you of the fairer gender? Just asking, because of how you described your “initiation” to this board.
Charger D will be OK. Lots of new faces got plugged in this offseason, plus a new Defensive Coordinator. I figured it would take them the first half of the season to jell. Gilchrist and Butler are going to be studs. This D should be solid in the second half of the year.
Nice shout out to Natrone “Means Business”.
I'm of the scruffier gender
The “popped” reference is just a figure of speech, the graphic nature of it seems to suit the situation.
Thanks for the recognition, it was between that and a Little Train prop (apparently in my subconscious resides an affinity for SD running backs).
by By any Natrone Necessary on Sep 28, 2011 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
The Patriots killed us
Running behind Gronkowski at LeBoy. I’m worried about the Raiders running game too. Watching the NE game made me miss Merriman on that side. As good as he was rushing the passer, he was just as good in run defense. LB is something we really need to address. Barnes is good but he’s one dimensional. Phillips is good but he needs someone on the other side to compliment him.
Welcome aboard!
Good points and may Mr Harris make a believer of you!
queen of the rec fairies
although it broke our hearts it did not break our will the herd
We were all talking about where the roster spot for the extra DL would come from
Cant believe we forgot about Bob’s guaranteed move to IR. WTF is all I can say, two days this guy was ready to go against Miami. Then we injured himself getting out of bed or what
Winning
Yes.
With Oliver probably rotating in once he’s active.
"Beating the Red Sox feels SO GOOD.! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!" -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Damn
Now we see how much it really hurt for Stuckley to have lost last season. Maybe then he would be more ready to contribute, or maybe we would know to look harder for a Safety.
by Lightning Hobo on Sep 28, 2011 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, fudge
I cant believe Sanders is already done; I thought we would get more out of him. What exactly is the injury? Ugh.
Harris is a good player but I read that the Colts cut him because he was an a$$. Very prima donna-ish. Hopefully, we have enough vets to keep him in line and right now, we don’t have many options.
I’ll look this up later, but I remember Tommie Harris because of the Bears game a few years back and he caused a fumble on the 1 yard line. He looked offsides but ther was no call, leading to Rivers yelling “Bullcrap!” which I have never heard of someone actually saying out loud.
"A man has got to have a code." -Bunk, Season 1; Omar, Season 4.
Chargers must be desperate to get a guy with personality problems.
Sure, the prima donna thing might have been overblown, but we usually ran away from these cases like the plague.
by Lightning Hobo on Sep 28, 2011 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Well that sucks
No big surprise though. Gregory is a pretty good safety and is better in coverage anyway. Sucks for Bob; he’s likely done.
"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"
Aaannnnnnnd it begins.
we all knew Bob was a long shot coming in. AJ knew it. Norv knew it. Dean knew it. the Colts knew it. they gambled, he’s injured just like any other player in the league. the only difference, his likely hood of injury was probably in the 90% range and not being able to contribute.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
Grass is green. The sky is blue. Bob Sanders is on IR.
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Dont mind my typos, trying to be sneaky at work like the rest of you
Acee
mentions the knee, but also a ‘myriad’ of other nagging injuries.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 29, 2011 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Interesting
Its just strange after the reports that he was just held out of the Chiefs game for precautionary reasons.
I think
that was Sanders characterization. Probably should have guessed something was up when Norv said something like he needed to sit down and talk with Sanders about the injury. My sense is that Sanders might have continued to give it a go, but the Chargers were feeling like he just wasn’t going to be effective, but that’s just a guess.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 29, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Great Question
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 29, 2011 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
sucks...
I am very disappointed about this news, and feel very bad for Sanders. How frustrating that must be for him to continue to endure these injuries. I hope this isn’t the end of his carreer.
Depth Move
im fine with the gregory/oliver rotation. maybe Harris can compete with OG and see playing time at one of the backup DE spots
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