The San Diego Chargers this afternoon announced the release of two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill.
McNeill was injured in the Chargers’ Nov. 10, 2011 game against Oakland. Both the team and McNeill have not ruled out the possibility of the 28-year-old, 6’7”, 336-pound veteran returning to the Chargers roster.
The Chargers drafted McNeill in the second round of the 2006 draft out of Auburn. He was responsible for protecting the blind side of quarterback Philip Rivers. McNeill decided to hold out at the start of the 2010 season and signed a long-term contract later that year through 2015.
The team was said to be concerned about a series of injuries and spinal issues affecting McNeill. He’s currently recovering from a neck injury that required fusion surgery. McNeill was medically cleared Friday, but his agent admitted to a local media outlet that he is more at risk that other players for a career-ending injury.
The teams decision to release McNeill means he’ll be able to seek a new deal through free agency or work out a new contract with the Chargers.
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