As expected, the San Diego Chargers will put receiver Vincent Brown on injured reserve.
However, Brown will be able to be taken off the injured reserve, per new NFL rules, when he is healthy. He is expected to miss about half the season after breaking his ankle in the second preseason game. He is eligible to return after eight games. By putting Brown on the injured reserve, the Chargers can add a player to the roster now. The team has been looking for help on the offensive line and at cornerback.
In other AFC West news:
Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke reportedly has cleared waivers. Oakland cut the 2011 third-round pick Monday after he struggled in the preseason. It is somewhat surprising another team didn’t take a chance on a speedy, young, high pick.
CLARIFICATION: Van Dyke is not eligible for any practice squad because he played in 14 games last season, which is beyond the NFL limit for practice squad eligibility. Thus, he can only be signed to a 53-man roster.
Oakland receivers Denarius Moore (hamstring) and Jacoby Ford (foot) did not practice Tuesday. The team has maintained it believes both players should be ready to play Monday against San Diego. However, because he is just starting to jog, Ford may have less of a chance to play than Moore.
Rookie receiver Juron Criner is reportedly dealing with an ankle issue. If these injuries do not improve through the week, Oakland may have to look for receiver help. That decision likely wouldn’t happen until later in the week.
Left tackle Bryant McKinnie restructured his contract to remain with the Ravens. Had he been cut, I’d think the Chargers would have seriously considered pursuing him. The team is staring undrafted rookie Mike Harris against Oakland next week because starter Jared Gaither is out with a back ailment.
Miami is cutting backup quarterback David Garrard. At this point, I don’t think any of the teams in the AFC West would rush to sign him.
Don’t expect the Chiefs to sign free agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith this week. I think the Chiefs will wait to see what they have at nose tackle before deciding if they want more help. Smith tried out for the Chiefs last week. He previously played for the Chiefs.
Here is a look at the AFC West’s representatives at the NFL’s kickoff festivities this week.
The Chargers signed tackle Kevin Haslam to the practice squad. He was cut by the Raiders on Friday.