Chargers add another kicker, waive veteran lineman Oben
By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers added another leg on Friday, signing kickoff specialist Dave Rayner to lighten the workload of hobbled placekicker Nate Kaeding.
The team waived veteran tackle Roman Oben to create roster space for Rayner.
Rayner, who was waived by Kansas City last month, will handle kickoff duties against Oakland on Sunday as Kaeding nurses the bruised left fibula he sustained in Monday's victory over Denver.
Kaeding was limited in practice Friday, but is expected to handle extra points and field goals Sunday. He was listed as probable for the game in the team's injury report, which was released Friday.
Punter Mike Scifres replaced Kaeding on kickoffs in the second half against Denver, but Chargers coach Norv Turner said the team deemed Scifres to valuable to continue to be used in that role.
Rayner, who was drafted by Indianapolis in 2005 and played for Green Bay in 2006, was one of four kickers in for a tryout Thursday.
"I think (Scifres) is the best punter in the league, and the things he does for our team, you can't appreciate him enough," Turner said. "If we got in a situation with Mike kicking off and punting and something happened to him, we'd be in a tough spot."
Oben, 35, hasn't played regularly since the first half of the 2005 season. He suffered a foot injury in the eighth game that year and didn't play again until the team's 15th game of the 2006 season.
A 16-game starter in 2004 after he was acquired from Tampa Bay for a fifth-round pick, Oben has been inactive for all but four games in 2007 and has been limited to special teams duty.
But Turner left the door open for Oben's return, saying Kaeding could ideally return to kickoff duties after a one-game layoff. Turner was encouraged by Kaeding's progress on Friday, saying he could see the fourth-year kicker being used even in lengthy field goat attempts Sunday.
"I believe watching Nate kick today he would kick (from 50 yards)," Turner said. "The kick he made Monday, the last one, would have been good from 45 or 50 yards. ... (Roman's) a big part of what's happened here for a long time, and I'd like him to continue to be a part of that. If that works out, it'd be great. He understands the circumstance. He's good in that matter, but obviously he's disappointed."
Oben confirmed in an e-mail his belief that he could be back with the Chargers quickly.
"I appreciate your interest, but I may be back on the roster Monday," Oben wrote. "And I'm not sure if any 'quotables' would be necessary on my part."
Rayner -- who was at home for Christmas with his family in Detroit when he got the call at 1 p.m. Wednesday -- was warmly greeted on the field and by several passers-by in the locker room on Friday.
"It's the first time in a practice I've had a sideline going, 'Ohhhhhhhhhhhh,' " said Rayner, 25. "An opportunity is an opportunity. I'm excited."
Williams ready
Turner believes Jamal Williams will be at full speed Sunday after the defensive tackle participated in all of Friday's practice.
Williams, who was limited in practice Thursday and has been bothered by hip and ankle injuries, was inactive for Monday's contest, though Turner said Williams could have played if necessary.
"I think the rest he's had will really pay off for us," Turner said. "I don't think we could have kept him out (Monday). ... I think he's ready to go."
Et cetera
LB Marques Harris, who had surgery on his hand Wednesday, didn't participate in Friday's practice and is doubtful for Sunday's game. LB Shawne Merriman (knee), DE Luis Castillo (ankle) and LB Brandon Siler (shoulder) were full participants in the practice session and are listed as probable.
Staff writer Mike Sullivan contributed to this report.
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