Phillip Rivers just can't catch a break with his offensive line. A group that gelled together extremely well in 2013 to help spur Rivers' comeback season has taken hit after hit so far in 2014, and that trend continued Monday as center Doug Legursky was put on the team's Injured Reserve list with a knee injury. Legursky's injury, suffered Sunday in the victory over New York, will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
San Diego started out the season with grizzled vet Nick Hardwick under center, as Hardwick looked to continue to bring stability to a line that had constantly changed around him since his arrival in 2004. But in Arizona for the Chargers' season opener, Hardwick left the game with a neck injury that has bothered him in recent years and was placed on Injured Reserve shortly after.
After Hardwick was sent to the sideline for the season, San Diego brought in veteran Legursky to back up Rich Ohrnberger. Ohrnberger, who played with the Chargers last year as well, stepped up in place of Hardwick at center until a back injury suffered in Week 3 pulled him off the field. Orhberger was made inactive for both Weeks 4 and 5, but he's remained on the active roster and could return to football activites soon.
With Legursky gone for the year, the Chargers have more transactions to make this week before trekking up to Oakland to take on the rival Raiders. Rookie Chris Watt played the remainder of last Sunday's game at center after Legursky's injury, and the Notre Dame product could work himself into a more permanent role if Ohrnberger can't return soon. San Diego will also surely sign a player or two to add depth, with practice squad tackle Jeremiah Sirles and guard Craig Watts serving as possible candidates for internal promotion.