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Sproles out with broken leg
By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers' preseason victory on Saturday came with a cost.
Kick-returner Darren Sproles suffered a fractured fibula and will be lost for "multiple weeks" according to coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Sproles underwent surgery Monday and Schottenheimer was evasive in how long Sprolesis outand how the Chargers will handle it. In any case, it's doubtful Sproles will be fit the season opener Sept. 11.
"We are going to sit down and talk about it,'' Schottenheimer said. "We haven't made any judgments.''
The team hoped Sproles could build on his rookie year, when averaging 24.3 yards on kickoff returns. He faltered on punt returns ---- he had difficulty fielding them ---- but averaged 6 yards before being replaced by Eric Parker and Keenan McCardell.
Sproles, a former Kansas State standout, is also the team's third running back. But Schottenheimer wasn't concerned with that role as much as Sproles' special-teams contributions.
"It's disappointing because he's a young player going into his second year,'' Schottenheimer said. "And the light bulb has gone on in a number of areas.''
Michael Turner could replace Sproles on kickoffs, with Parker and McCardell on the punt-return duties. Although Parker's 6-foot, 180-pound frame isn't built to be an integral part of the passing game and take the punishment of punt returns. McCardell is the oldest Charger, and they would prefer saving him for receiving passes.
One person who won't get a look is athletic rookie cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
"He's got too many other things on his plate right now,'' Schottenheimer said.
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson will also miss practice time after bruising his chest against the Packers in Saturday's win.
"Indications are he is going to be fine,'' Schottenheimer said.
Wide receiver Malcom Floyd, who is slowed by a sprained ankle, should return this week.
The team practices twice today at Chargers Park, with the 3:55 p.m. session open to the public.
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/08/15/sports/professional/chargers/21_49_168_14_06.txt
By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers' preseason victory on Saturday came with a cost.
Kick-returner Darren Sproles suffered a fractured fibula and will be lost for "multiple weeks" according to coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Sproles underwent surgery Monday and Schottenheimer was evasive in how long Sprolesis outand how the Chargers will handle it. In any case, it's doubtful Sproles will be fit the season opener Sept. 11.
"We are going to sit down and talk about it,'' Schottenheimer said. "We haven't made any judgments.''
The team hoped Sproles could build on his rookie year, when averaging 24.3 yards on kickoff returns. He faltered on punt returns ---- he had difficulty fielding them ---- but averaged 6 yards before being replaced by Eric Parker and Keenan McCardell.
Sproles, a former Kansas State standout, is also the team's third running back. But Schottenheimer wasn't concerned with that role as much as Sproles' special-teams contributions.
"It's disappointing because he's a young player going into his second year,'' Schottenheimer said. "And the light bulb has gone on in a number of areas.''
Michael Turner could replace Sproles on kickoffs, with Parker and McCardell on the punt-return duties. Although Parker's 6-foot, 180-pound frame isn't built to be an integral part of the passing game and take the punishment of punt returns. McCardell is the oldest Charger, and they would prefer saving him for receiving passes.
One person who won't get a look is athletic rookie cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
"He's got too many other things on his plate right now,'' Schottenheimer said.
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson will also miss practice time after bruising his chest against the Packers in Saturday's win.
"Indications are he is going to be fine,'' Schottenheimer said.
Wide receiver Malcom Floyd, who is slowed by a sprained ankle, should return this week.
The team practices twice today at Chargers Park, with the 3:55 p.m. session open to the public.
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/08/15/sports/professional/chargers/21_49_168_14_06.txt
