Chargers center Mike Pouncey (hip) out for the season
Gilbert Manzano PUBLISHED: September 17, 2020
COSTA MESA — The Chargers will play without center Mike Pouncey for the 2020 season.
Pouncey was placed on injured reserve Thursday and is scheduled for season-ending hip surgery at the end of the month, the team announced.
“On top of being a Pro Bowl talent, he’s the ultimate captain, teammate and competitor,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a press release. “Quite simply, he’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around. Mike’s played a major role in establishing the culture and standard we now have in our locker room and sets a tremendous example, especially for the younger members of our team. I’m happy he’ll remain around the team throughout the season, and all of us wish Mike a successful procedure and speedy recovery.”
Pouncey, 31, was inactive for the season opener last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. His final game with the Chargers might have occurred in Week 5 of the 2019 season. Pouncey, who had neck surgery in October and missed the final 11 games last season, is scheduled to be a free agent in the offseason.
Dan Feeney will likely be the full-time center to replace Pouncey. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn called Feeney a “natural center” on Wednesday. Feeney was the starting left guard, but now Forrest Lamp will likely fill that spot. The Chargers also have center Scott Quessenberry on the roster.
Fullback Gabe Nabers was promoted from the practice squad after the team placed Pouncey on injured reserve.
Pouncey, a four-time Pro Bowler, dealt with hip injuries with the Miami Dolphins before signing a two-year, $15 million contract with the Chargers in 2018. He signed a one-year, $9 million extension with the Chargers before the start of last season.
The Chargers traded for right guard Trai Turner and signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga in free agency with hopes of forming a stout offensive line with Pouncey.
Pouncey and Turner didn’t play in Week 1, giving the team an inexperienced offensive line against the Bengals that featured Sam Tevi’s left tackle debut and Tyree St. Louis starting at right guard for his first career game.
The Chargers have had many offensive line woes in recent years, but they might get Turner back Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs for his first game as a Charger. The five-time Pro Bowler is dealing with a knee injury, but he was a full participant at practice Thursday.
Turner and Bulaga will have to lead the offensive line this season without Pouncey, who might leave the team in the offseason without playing in the past 27 games.
DEALING WITH KELCE
Pouncey joined safety Derwin James and linebacker Drue Tranquill on injured reserve.
The Chargers continue to be snake bitten by injuries and this could be the week it catches up to them.
James and Tranquill are arguably the team’s two best tight end defenders. They won’t be on the field Sunday to defend Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce.
Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said Thursday knowing where Kelce is on the field at all times is the best way to defend him. He compared him to Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez.
“You have to have great awareness for where he is,” Bradley said. “Against Kansas City, sometimes you can really put your attention to other places depending on formations and things like that. Well, you really can’t with him.”
Safety Desmond King and rookie linebacker Kenneth Murray will likely be in charge of Kelce’s whereabouts.
Murray said he learned a few tricks from Tranquill as a pass defender.
“He’s really good at staying disciplined in his assignment,” Murray said. “I think that’s what really sets his game apart. That’s definitely something I’ve taken a look at and try to add to my game and just understanding how teams are trying to attack me.”
BOSA RETURNS
Defensive end Joey Bosa returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant. He missed Wednesday with a triceps injury.
Running back Justin Jackson (quadriceps) and tight end Donald Parham Jr. (illness) missed another practice.
www.ocregister.com/chargers-center-mike-pouncey-hip-out-for-the-season
