San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick will not play for the rest of the season due to a neck stinger. He suffered the injury in Monday night's Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and did not return. Hardwick is an 11-year veteran and a co-captain on the team.
Nick Hardwick’s injury could affect Chargers’ fantasy output
The Chargers lost their center and team captain Nick Hardwick for the rest of the season. We break down the fantasy implications.
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After he left due to injury, Rich Ohrnberger replaced him and did not look good. Quarterback Philip Rivers struggled with the quarterback-center exchange and the team had some clock management issues, as well. Clearly, the loss of Hardwick as the vocal leader of the offensive line could have some negative effects on the Chargers' offense.
Fantasy implications: There's no doubt that teams will be using more A gap blitzes to attack the backup center and interior SD line. That would mean running backs may have to stay in on pass protection more often, which suggests there could be less catches for running backs Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead. What's more, it may be harder for Rivers to get the ball down the field to Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd.
Things are not looking up this week against the Seattle Seahawks. If you have any other decent option, there really shouldn't be any Charger in your starting lineup this week.
