During Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, word from the Chargers was that left tackle King Dunlap left the game after suffering a concussion.
Dunlap has suffered two concussions already this season and a third would make a quick comeback to the lineup unlikely, but there’s now some doubt as to whether Dunlap actually suffered a concussion. Coach Mike McCoy said the team was being cautious, but that a concussion has been neither confirmed nor ruled out.
What they do know is that Dunlap has been diagnosed with a neck strain and Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego reports that the tackle’s status for this week’s game against the Dolphins and beyond is “up in the air” as a result. Gehlken also reports that the team had tackle Willie Smith in for a workout on Tuesday as they try to sort out Dunlap’s availability.
Rookie D.J. Fluker went from right tackle to left tackle when Dunlap was out against the Broncos, one of many times the Chargers have had to shuffle the deck on the offensive line over the course of the season. At 4-5, they’ll need to remain productive offensively while doing so to keep any hopes of a playoff berth alive.