Chargers center Hardwick not ready to play yet

The San Diego Chargers will compete with the Denver Broncos for the AFC West title this Sunday, but Chargers center Nick Hardwick still has not been ready to play for his team in his #61 Chargers jersey.

Hardwick has not been able to play a game since having ankle surgery following the season opener. The former Pro Bowler tried to return and practiced four weeks ago. But a setback last Wednesday just prevented him from practicing again. Missing practice on Thursday, he was finally ruled out for this Sunday’s game in Denver.

But several other injured players were able to practice Thursday. Tight end Antonio Gates, linebackers Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman all practiced. Offensive tackle Jeromey Clary did not practice yet after leaving last Sunday’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles with injured ankle, but Coach Norv Turner was optimistic that he would work out on Saturday to prepare for Sunday’s game.

Chargers Center Hardwick to miss 8 weeks for ankle surgery

On Wednesday, the San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick had a surgery on his left ankle, and the rehabilitation would take him about eight weeks. The Chargers will have fifth-year pro Scott Mruczkowski starting at center.

The Chargers said the surgery was to tighten a ligament in Hardwick’s ankle. The six-year veteran was hurt in the season opener at Oakland on Sept. 14, and the injury was originally said to be a sprained ankle and kept Hardwick out for Sunday’s 31-26 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

According to Chargers Coach Norv Turner, the team will hold off deciding whether to put Hardwick on injured reserve—and losing him for the rest of the year—until they can gauge his recovery and if they need to use the roster spot for another player. The Chargers last week signed Dennis Norman, who has played center and guard in other teams' nfl jerseys.