Nick Hardwick (61) is out for the season. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick is out for the season with a neck injury.
Hardwick was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. He left Monday’s loss at Arizona, and the 18-17 defeat turned when the Pro Bowl pivot left the game.
“Nick is one of the best, if not the best, at his position to ever play for the Chargers,” said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “In my 20 years in the NFL, he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever been around. We’ll miss him in the lineup, but we have complete confidence in Rich (Ohrnberger) and the other players to step up and do the job.”
Ohrnberger’s premature shotgun snap in the fourth quarter forced the Chargers to punt with a 17-12 lead, squandering a potential field goal by botching the 3rd-and-6 play. The ball bounced off of quarterback Philip Rivers’ hands and the Chargers, who led 17-6, lost the game 18-17.
“Nick is a warrior; a true pro’s pro,” head coach Mike McCoy said. “We’ve been spoiled by his excellence over the years. Players with his physical skills, leadership ability and intangibles don’t come around every year. He is a special player to coach and a great guy for the organization.”
Hardwick came to the Chargers as a third-round draft choice in 2004, when he entered the starting lineup and never left. He has started all 136 games he has played in the NFL and the last 67 in a row, including Monday night’s game in Arizona.
