The AFC West claim game continued for a second straight Wednesday and this one makes perfect sense.
GaitherThe San Diego Chargers claimed tackle Jared Gaither off waivers from Kansas City. The Chiefs cut him Tuesday. Last week, it was the Chiefs claiming quarterback Kyle Orton off waivers from Denver.
As soon as Gaither was cut Tuesday, I thought it made perfect sense that he would end up in San Diego. The Chargers have lost six offensive linemen to injuries. To make room for Gaither, left tackle Marcus McNeill was put on the injured reserve with a neck injury he suffered against Oakland on Nov. 10. It had been expected for a while that McNeill likely wouldn’t return this year.
The San Diego Union Tribune reports the Chargers would like Brandyn Dombrowski to continue to replace McNeill. However, Dombrowski is dealing with a foot injury and he did not practice Wednesday.
Gaither can play both left and right tackle. At the very least, he will be a strong backup for the Chargers.
The Chargers may be finally regaining some healthy. The San Diego Union Tribune reported guards Louis Vasquez (ankle) and Tyronne Green (hand) practiced Wednesday for the first time in week as did starting receiver Malcom Floyd, who was out for several weeks with a hip injury.