Chargers Gaither Placed On IR

Left tackle out for the last six games

In 2011, the Chargers lost starting left tackle Marcus McNeill to injury (McNeill eventually retired because of it) and needed to find a replacement with six games left. In came Jared Gaither, who played at a Pro Bowl level and earned himself a big contract.

Now, with six games left to play, it's Gaither who's hurt. The Chargers put Jared on the Reserve: Injured list, meaning he's done for the season.

Ah, the symmetry of sports.

Gaither has had back troubles for most of his career. He re-injured his back on the first full day of training camp and missed the first few games of the year.

But, this time it's a groin injury that's holding him out. Gaither suffered the injury in the 4th quarter of the Chargers loss to the Saints in Week 5.

Gaither will be paid $9 million dollars this season, and only play in four games (during which he allowed four sacks).

Undrafted rookie Mike Harris, who's started the other six games, will have the job for the rest of the year. But, with Brandyn Dombrowski already hurt, the Chargers will need a backup for Harris.

The play of the left tackle has been an issue all season. Philip Rivers has been under more pressure this year than he has as any other time of his career.

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