COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) – Chargers offensive tackles Bryan Bulaga’s status for Sunday’s opening game against Washington remains in question as he remains grappling with a hip flexor problem.
Bulaga trained on Monday after missing last week. A better forecast of his status could come on Wednesday when the first practice report is released.
What you need to know
- Chargers offensive attack Bryan Bulaga’s status for Sunday’s opening game against Washington remains in question as he continues to grapple with a hip flexor problem
- Bulaga trained on Monday after missing last week
- A better forecast of his status could come on Wednesday when the first practice report is released
“It’s just more discomfort than anything else. The MRIs are negative, ”said trainer Brandon Staley. “We’re trying to give him enough calm and agility so that he can go into this game with a good feeling.”
Bulaga missed six games last season due to various injuries and only played five of each offensive snap. In three of the other five games he had to quit prematurely, the injury occurred in Los Angeles’ first offensive series.
The Chargers made their offensive line a priority in the off-season. Bulaga is the only returning starter from a group that had a lot of protection issues last season. They also face a Washington roster, who at 47 in the league ranked second in overall defense and sixth in the cul-de-sac.
Storm Norton would start with the right tackle if Bulaga is unable to. Another option could be to remove Matt Feiler from the left guard and add rookie Brenden Jaimes as guard, but Staley and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi want to avoid switching to two positions.
Bulaga appears to be the only injury concern among the starters as the Chargers head into a season opener relatively healthy for the first time in ages.
Staley, who will make his NFL head coaching debut on Sunday after serving as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams last season, also believes his team is ready for action.
“The last practice we had (last Thursday) was probably the first time I thought, ‘Okay, let’s get on with it now.’ I know this morning the boys have the rest and now they are ready for an opponent to prepare for, ”said Staley.
NOTES: Cornerback Ryan Smith was put on injured reserve due to a core muscle injury that kept him by his side throughout training camp. Cornerback Kemon Hall was signed to take Smith’s place. … the Chargers will fly to the east coast on Saturday instead of Friday. Staley said part of it was for health and safety reasons, but another was that the Rams did the same last season.
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