Chargers without Some Key Players

A triceps injury was contracted just recently by San Diego Chargers’ Jamal Williams. The team’s defensive tackle was consequently placed on injured reserve due to an elbow injury, resulting in Williams’s probable absence for the rest of the season. His backup, Ogemdi Nwagbuo, is the sole defensive tackle remaining on the team. The Chargers took in Andre Coleman to fill Williams vacated spot. Williams is not the only player off the roster, as the Chargers are likely to play without their running back LaDainian Tomlinson and center Nick Hardwick as both are suffering from sprained ankles. Backup defensive Travis Johnson is also off, suffering from a groin injury. Consequently, the four will most likely be absent against the Baltimore Ravens for Sunday’s home opener. The same can be said for right guard Louis Valdez who has a knee injury and linebacker Antwan Applewhite for his injured hamstring. Tomlinson was already absent during practice on Friday, suffering from the ankle injury contracted during Monday night’s win against Oakland. Late-season additions Michael Bennett along with Darren Sproles will eventually take Tomlinson’s carries. Marcus McNeill already returned sporting a hand injury. The left tackle was missing on Wednesday’s training; however he claimed that he will be playing on Sunday. Hardwick is to be replaced by Scott Mruczkowski while Brandyn Dombrowski is likely to stand for Vasquez. According to the team’s coach Norv Turner, those who missed the practice are less likely to participate in the coming game. “The odds go against you,” said Turner, “The guys that practice today have a better chance. For the other guys, their chances go down.” The Ravens are expected to be tough opponents, signaling that it is the wrong time for the Chargers to be less than ready. Last season, it was the Ravens who moved forward to the AFC Championship Game before being beaten by the Steelers. For their part, the Chargers were one win away last season from the Super Bowl before their defeat from the New England Patriots. Turner commented recently that the two teams will present a “heck of a match up”. “You’ve got two teams that are awfully good and see themselves as being pretty good. They are very physically a football team and we are a physical football team. So I think it’s going to be a heck of a matchup.” Turner said. “We both have aspirations of doing something very special. Both teams would like to have the kind of year to get there again.” Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers have already prevented the local television blackout of the game against the Ravens by selling enough tickets. The team was on the verge of their first regular season blackout since 2004.