Time is running short for Chargers center Nick Hardwick to get cleared in time to face the Broncos this weekend.
Hardwick is out of practice again on Thursday because of the concussion he suffered in last weekend’s victory over the Bengals. Hardwick’s injury was initially termed a stinger, but coach Mike McCoy revealed that Hardwick suffered the head injury in the first quarter of the game. He’ll need to get cleared to practice before he gets cleared to play, something that may not happen before the Chargers run out of time before kickoff in Denver.
Rich Ohrnberger took over for Hardwick and handled things well for the rest of the game.
The news was mixed elsewhere on the offensive line. Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego reports that right tackle D.J. Fluker is practicing after sitting out on Wednesday and is expected to play. Right guard Jeromey Clary isn’t practicing after leaving Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder injury, however.
Running back Ryan Mathews is also skipping practice on Thursday to rest his ankle, but is expected to practice on Friday and play on Sunday after missing the final quarter-plus against Cincinnati.