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D.J. Fluker injury update: Chargers OG carted off

By Matt Verderame

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle D.J. Fluker (76) celebrates after the game against the St. Louis Rams at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers beat the Rams 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle D.J. Fluker (76) celebrates after the game against the St. Louis Rams at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers beat the Rams 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Diego Chargers offensive tackle D.J. Fluker had to be carted off the field in the third quarter of his game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. Fluker was going to be moved from right tackle to right guard this year after struggling with speed rushers on the edge, but instead was kept outside.

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The injury was ugly, with Fluker having his leg rolled into. While it would be incorrect to speculate on the injury, it did appear to be of a serious nature. If Fluker is out for an extended period of time, San Diego’s offensive line looks very weak on the right side. In a division with Von Miller and Justin Houston coming from that side, the Chargers would be searching for answers that don’t currently exist on the roster.

With Fluker out, Chris Hairston is stepping into replace him. Hairston is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, but he struggles with lateral movement. Hairston is in his fourth NFL season, after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills. If the Chargers are going to make a move toward the postseason for the second time in three years, they need Hairston to at least be decent.

Fluker’s move to the interior was supposed to give San Diego more push on the inside with the free-agent signing of Orlando Franklin, who is starting at left guard. Franklin was inked away from the Denver Broncos on a five-year, $35 million deal.

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