CHARGERS NOTES: Bolts sign cut players, release Pinnock
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MIKE SULLIVAN
Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers addressed some depth concerns Monday by adding tight end Kris Wilson and offensive lineman Kynan Forney to the active roster.
Season-ending injuries to tight end Scott Chandler (toe) and offensive lineman Cory Withrow (hamstring) necessitated the roster adjustments. Chandler was placed on injured reserve Saturday as the roster was pared to 53 players, and Withrow joined him on that list Monday. The team also released fullback Andrew Pinnock.
Both Wilson (Philadelphia) and Forney (Atlanta) were released on Saturday.
Wilson spent the last four seasons with Kansas City before signing with Philadelphia as a free agent in the offseason. Receivers coach Charlie Joiner was familiar with Wilson from his coaching stint with the Chiefs.
Wilson, who had 24 receptions last season, will be the team's third tight end behind Antonio Gates and Brandon Manumaleuna.
"He's an athletic guy that's a very good receiver," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "He blocks well on the edge and he's experienced in this offense."
Forney, who turns 30 next Monday, started 88 games for Atlanta over the last seven seasons. He started 14 games in 2007, all at right guard. Running backs coach Ollie Wilson and tight ends coach Clancy Barone are former Falcons assistants, and both recommended signing him.
"He's a very physical run-blocking right guard," Turner said. "Our pro scouts had very good grades on him."
Pinnock, who spent five seasons with the Chargers, had offseason knee surgery. He became expendable because of the impressive training camp performance by undrafted free agent Mike Tolbert.
Tolbert's main role will be blocking for star running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who didn't appear to be taken aback by Pinnock's release.
"I don't know if I was surprised or not, to be honest with you, just because Pinnock has been struggling a little bit to play," Tomlinson said. "He's practiced some but hasn't been able to play in a (preseason) game. On the other hand, Mike has been going full speed ahead and really showing what he can do in establishing himself as a starter in this league."
Shelton likely to start
Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill missed another practice because of his four-week-old neck injury, and all indications are that veteran L.J. Shelton will start Sunday's regular-season opener against Carolina.
"Yeah, that's probably correct," Turner said.
McNeill and center Nick Hardwick (foot) were the only two players who didn't participate in any part of Monday's practice, according to Turner.
Shelton is in his first season with the Chargers but has started 125 games over the last nine seasons with Arizona, Cleveland and Miami.
Gates ready
Gates isn't at full strength yet after offseason foot surgery but said he feels good enough to play against Carolina.
"Going into the game, I don't feel 100 percent, but I'm definitely better than what I was," Gates said. "The more I get out there and the more reps I get, the more I get used to it. That's all I can really do at this point, to go out and play as hard as I can and let everything else take care of itself."
Tomlinson eager to play
After sitting out the preseason, Tomlinson is itching to get the ball in his hands against enemy opposition. He said the offseason seemed particularly long for him.
His success in seven previous openers has been mixed. Tomlinson had 100-yard performances in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2006. But last year's 25-yard output against Chicago joined a 34-yard game against Kansas City in 2003 as substandard debuts.
"Some teams are harder to run on than others starting the season out," Tomlinson said. "If you look at the past, some games I've had really good first games when I haven't played in the preseason and some games I haven't.
"I think it just depends on the team and the way they approach the first game."
Et cetera
DT Jamal Williams (knees) practiced and ran gassers afterward, prompting Chargers coach Norv Turner to say Williams will be able to play against Carolina on Sunday. ... OLB Shawne Merriman (knee) took approximately half of the first-team practice repetitions, splitting time with second-year player Jyles Tucker. ... DE Luis Castillo said the ailing back that limited him for much of the preseason is now fine. "I know there are things I have to do personally to get ready," said Castillo, citing extra running as one example. "I'll be ready."
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Vincent wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:35 AM:I've followed the Chargers since way back in '75 and I've been monitoring the Shawne Merriman situation closely. I realize he's definitely an impact player but if he's going to play hurt I'm under the impression that would mean below 100%! I honestly think Merrian should have the surgery to repair his knee and rehab it this season(something he could've had done in the off, season mind you!) now that the Chargers have signed Jyles Tucker(sp?) to pick up the slack!
Comments/thoughts!?
A Johnson wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:17 PM:I agree fully that Merriman should repair his knee this year and be back in action next year. It's not worth the risk to him or the team. He will be constantly inhibited in his play to avoid the injury. The possibility of the season-ending injury will be hanging over everyones head (him and fans) as long as he is in action, which will be an additional distraction.
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