SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy had a couple additions to his team’s injury report on Thursday.
Right tackle D.J. Fluker did not practice on Thursday, experiencing concussion-like symptoms after practice on Wednesday. If Fluker does not clear the NFL concussion protocol by Sunday, Willie Smith would be his likely replacement at right tackle.
“D.J. came in after practice yesterday with concussion-like symptoms,” McCoy said. “The doctors evaluated him. So we’ll hold him out and evaluate him on a day-to-day basis until he’s cleared by our doctors or an independent physician moving forward.”
Quarterback Philip Rivers also was added to the injury report with a chest injury. McCoy said Rivers was a full participant in practice on Thursday, and is expected to play against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
“He went through practice and felt great throwing [on Wednesday],” McCoy said about Rivers. “He had a good practice, and then was a little sore this morning. So we added him to the list. But he participated and did everything today in practice.”
Center Chris Watt (calf) and defensive tackle Ryan Carrethers (elbow) did not practice for a second straight day, but are inching closer to returning to the practice field.
Outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (rest) and defensive lineman Corey Liuget (knee) returned to practice on Thursday. Linebacker Andrew Gachkar (knee) was a full participant for a second straight day.
McCoy also talked about Ryan Miller, who reportedly slipped on his way to the practice field on Wednesday, suffering a concussion. Miller was placed on the reserve, non-football injury list, ending his season.
“I feel real bad for him,” McCoy said. “It’s a tough situation. It’s a freak accident that happened yesterday. Our medical staff did a great job of handling the situation, and how it occurred and everything. We think moving forward this is in the best interest for him.”
