COSTA MESA, CA – On Wednesday the Los Angeles Chargers announced they placed center Mike Pouncey on injured reserved due an apparent neck injury.
“Pouncey is done for the year, ” Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said. “We’re going to miss him. We are going to miss his leadership. He’ll have neck surgery at some point. We wish him all the best.“
With Pouncey out, that creates an opportunity for Dan Feeney to slide over to center from left guard and Forrest Lamp to starting left guard. Visibly Pouncey’s fellow teammates are disappointed that he won’t be able to compete this season, however they understand it’s a next man up mentality.
Feeney has the necessary experience to help keep the offensive line in tact the remainder of the season.
One person who will miss Pouncey is quarterback Philip Rivers who remained optimistic that Feeney and Lamp can still produce great results.
“We’ll certainly miss Mike,” Rivers said. “I feel terrible for Mike and hope that he heals up.”
Pouncey was voted as a team captain this season, and also signed a two-year, $15 million deal last season after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. He also signed an extension for $9 million that will keep him with the Bolts until the 2020 season.
The Bolts (2-3) are focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4) who come to Los Angeles on Sunday night at 5:20 PM PT.
