Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding has been placed on the reserve/injured list and once he’s healed, will be released.
"The team plans on releasing Kaeding as soon as he is healthy," according to the Chargers website.
Kaeding suffered an injury to his left ACL in 2011 and returned healthy to the team for the start of the 2012 season. Recently he was sidelined again with a groin injury. This is the third straight season Kaeding has missed time due to injury.
"I think the world of Nate," said head coach Norv Turner. "He's been a great player for us."
Nick Novak, who had filled in for Kaeding in 2011, was brought back for the Sept. 30 game against the Kansas City Chiefs and Oct. 7 game against the Broncos.
During the 2011 season, Novak spent the final 15 games with the Chargers and connected on 27 of 34 field goal attempts.
He was released on the final cut prior to the start of this season.
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The San Diego resident trained between seasons at San Diego State University.
Now playing again for Kaeding, he's been kicking so well the Chargers decided to formalize his position on the team with the announcement of Kaeding's release.
Kaeding was in his ninth season with the team.
The move allowed the Chargers to free up a roster spot, which they used to sign WR Danario Alexander to a one year contract. Alexander spent the first years of his career with the Rams. Leg injuries have limited him to 18 NFL games, but when healthy the 6-foot, 5-inch wideout has been effective. He has three career touchdown catches, including one against the Chargers in 2010 (which was his first NFL touchdown).
