San Diego Chargers LB Manti Te’o out again vs Philadelphia Eagles

The San Diego Chargers ruled out rookie linebacker Manti Te’o prior to Monday’s opener against the Houston Texans because of a right foot injury, causing his much-anticipated debut to be delayed for at least one week. He originally injured the foot in the August 8 preseason opener, and the latest report is he won’t be on the field this week when the Chargers take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

"“We are making a lot of progress,” Te’o said. “We will see about next week, but it is looking good so far. I’m getting that work in.”“I will be the biggest cheerleader on the side,” Te’o said. “I will be back soon.”"

Te’o, the No. 38 overall pick of April’s draft, earned the start at inside linebacker for the Chargers but recorded no tackles in two series of action in the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks before being injured.

He hasn’t practiced since then and has been wearing a walking boot. Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy initially described the injury as a sprain, but he was forced to wear a walking boot and didn’t play the rest of the preseason, and hasn’t practiced much since then.

But he is getting closer. He no longer wears a walking boot on his right foot and his running and change-of-direction movements have increased significantly when working on the side with trainers during practice.