The Chargers will be trying for their fourth straight win against the Patriots this weekend and they may have to do it without right tackle D.J. Fluker.
Fluker was diagnosed with a concussion after practice on Wednesday and didn’t practice with the team on Thursday. We’ll find out his official status for the game later on Friday, but there’s not much time for him to progress through the concussion protocol before the game kicks off. It’s the second time in two years that Fluker has suffered a concussion and he missed one game during his rookie season as a result of the first one.
Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego reports that Willie Smith worked in Fluker’s place on Thursday and might not be the only new starter on the offensive line this weekend. Center Chris Watt hasn’t practiced this week after injuring his calf in last weekend’s victory over the Ravens, which could leave Trevor Robinson to be the team’s fifth starting center this season.
It’s not an ideal state of affairs with New England in town, but the Chargers will have to figure it out in order to hold onto their plum spot in the AFC playoff race.