San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl left guard Kris Dielman suffered a grand mal seizure on the flight home Sunday after sustaining a concussion in a loss to the New York Jets, a person with knowledge of the situation said Thursday.
The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team doesn't release specific injury details, said an ambulance met the team plane and Dielman was hospitalized overnight. The person said the seizure occurred during the plane's descent into San Diego.
The 320-pound Dielman was staggered by the injury early in the fourth quarter but continued to play. The Chargers were out of offensive linemen due to other injuries.
Dielman, a four-time Pro Bowler known for his hard-nosed demeanor, declined to comment on the seizure. He did say he won't play in Monday night's game at Kansas City, "pretty much off of what I feel." He said he has lingering headaches.
"It's just one of those plays. I banged my head a little bit, and now I've got to deal with it," Dielman said.
Dielman missed one game last year due to a concussion. Coach Norv Turner said Dielman has yet to take the test he needs to pass before returning to practice. Dielman is scheduled to see a specialist Friday.
"You've got to tread lightly. We'll take the proper precautions and see what happens," Dielman said. "It (stinks). I was having a good year and this team's having a good year and I want to be part of this good season."
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Dielman "is a great player and he sets the tempo for us," Turner said. "We've obviously gone through this with a lot of different guys, a lot of different positions, so we've got a plan. I think we'll be fine."
Tyronne Green is expected to start in Dielman's place.
Left tackle Marcus McNeill had limited participation in Thursday's practice because of a neck injury. He said he'll be OK to play Monday night. Tight end Antonio Gates, who returned Sunday after missing three straight games with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, practiced Thursday and is expected to play at Kansas City.
The defending AFC West champion Chiefs (3-3) have won three straight games since a 20-17 loss to the division-leading Chargers (4-2) on Sept. 25.
