The Chargers completed their preparations for Friday’s preseason game against the Vikings with a walk-through practice on Thursday morning. Per team policy, the practice was closed to the media because it was the day before a game.
O-Line depleted: San Diego will likely be missing three fifths of their starting O-line on Friday. LT Jared Gaither (back spasms) and C Nick Hardwick (concussion) will be out and coach Norv Turner said it’s unlikely LG Tyronne Green (foot) will play. They will be replaced by: LT Mike Harris (undrafted, UCLA), LG Rex Hadnot (free agent, Cardinals) and C David Molk (round seven 226th overall pick). Nevertheless, QB Philip Rivers is expected to play. “I am impressed with the five guys that practiced today,” Turner said of the O-line. “That group playing together can play awfully well.”
Hardwick update: C Nick Hardwick has been out since he suffered a concussion on Tuesday in practice against the Cowboys. “I would expect Nick, based on the experiences I have had, to be able to do some next week,” Turner said. “Then we will see where he is after that.”
Injury report: The Chargers have 15 players who missed at least one practice this week. Teams don’t release injury reports during preseason. Probabilities of playing against the Vikings are based solely on the writer’s observations.
Probable: No player who misses a practice during the week in preseason is considered probable.
Questionable: DE-DT Garrett Brown (foot), LG Tyronne Green (foot), TE Dante Rosario (unknown) and CB Shareece Wright (hamstring). Brown and Rosario also missed practices last week, but played against the Cowboys. Turner said he is hopeful Green will play. Wright tweaked his hamstring on Monday, but returned to practice on Wednesday. Turner expects Wright will play, but will make a decision on Friday.
Doubtful: RB Curtis Brinkley (strain), DT Antonio Garay (left foot), CB Marcus Gilchrist (hamstring) and ILB Demorrio Williams (unknown). All four did not practice this week.
Out: WR Vincent Brown (ankle), G-T Brandyn Dombrowski (foot, cyst), LT Jared Gaither (back spasms), C Nick Hardwick (concussion), RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle), WR Eddie Royal (leg) and G Johnnie Troutman (pectoral). Royal returned to practice on Wednesday after missing almost all of training camp. Royal is healthy enough to play, but will miss the game as a precaution.
What’s next? The Chargers will take on the Vikings in their third preseason game on Friday at 5:00 pm pacific. The game will air locally on CBS.
Follow the Chargers and Dan McLellan on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLSD and @sandiegosports.
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