If youβre wondering why guys like Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers get little to no playing time in preseason games, we all got a reminder on Saturday.
The Chargers confirmed that two players who were injured in Friday nightβs 19-3 win over the Cardinals will miss the entire 2016 season. Tight end Jeff Cumberland suffered a torn Achilles tendon and guard Donavon Clark tore his ACL.
Cumberland sustained his injury running a route in the second quarter. He signed a one-year contract in the off-season and was expected to be a complement to Gates and second round pick Hunter Henry. Clark, a 7th round pick from Michigan State this year, was rolled up on a running play in the 3rd quarter. He was in contention to be a reserve offensive lineman or practice squad signee as a guard who has the flexibility to play tackle.
The Chargers have not revealed any corresponding roster moves but Sean McGrath will likely get Cumerland's repetitions at tight end.