Mike

Harris

It’s a concern because repeated flare-ups of a thoracic disc ruined Gaither’s 2010 season and limited his impact last season. The patient Chargers maintain that Gaither is “day-to-day,” but he’s not expected back on the field until late this month. Undrafted rookie Mike Harris is working on Philip Rivers’ blindside in the meantime.

Veteran Jared Gaither is out indefinitely with ongoing back trouble. Harris is a natural right tackle, stretched on Philip Rivers’ blindside. His preseason work has been generously labeled as mixed. Rivers’ early-season fantasy woes in 2011 were due in large part to leaky pass protection. It’s a major concern again this year.

Gaither had an MRI after missing all of the preseason and most of training camp with back spasms, but the full extent of his injury is unknown. Mike Harris will fill in for Gaither in the meantime, but he’s struggled badly during the preseason. San Diego may need to look outside the organization if Gaither’s ailment will keep him out long term.

Undrafted rookie Mike Harris is confirmed as the Opening Day starter. Gaither missed the entire preseason with chronic back issues and remains without a timetable for return. If Gaither misses extended time, Harris has the potential to downgrade the Chargers’ entire offense. It’s certainly a concern for Philip Rivers’ Week 1 pass protection on Monday Night Football.

Camp just started, but Harris is already working with the first-team offense in Jared Gaither’s (back) absence. Harris measured 6-foot-5, 309 and ran a 5.46 forty at UCLA’s March Pro Day. He may be San Diego’s 2012 swing tackle.

“I think that’s way premature,” Turner said. Gaither hasn’t suited up in six weeks, and earlier in the week the left tackle stated that he will not return to the field until he is 100 percent. Gaither’s back woes have been an issue for years now. UDFA Mike Harris will be forced to start at left tackle on Monday night after San Diego failed to address their depth at the position in the offseason.

Gaither appeared to have suffered a setback with his chronic back early in the practice week. He was limited on Wednesday but didn’t participate in Thursday or Friday’s sessions. Harris has started four games on Philip Rivers’ blind side this season, and he has struggled badly in pass protection. The Chargers generally move the ball much better with Gaither in the lineup, too. Gaither will give it a go in warm-ups, so we’ll know more toward the 1:00PM ET game time.

The Chargers also lost LG Tyronne Green (hamstring) and RT Jeromey Clary (left knee) against the Bengals, and none of the three are expected to play in Week 14 against the Steelers. San Diego is down to one healthy offensive tackle on its roster -- Kevin Haslam -- and may have to start a street free agent versus Pittsburgh. Rex Hadnot will take Green’s place at left guard.

Kevin Haslam will start at left tackle and Reggie Wells will start at right tackle. It’s a nightmare scenario for Philip Rivers and the entire Chargers’ offense. Expect Antonio Gates to be asked to stay in and block plenty. The rest of the Chargers’ inactives: WR Eddie Royal, LB Donald Butler, DL Antonio Garay and TE Ladarius Green.

Williamson is former scout for the Browns. Here’s his take on King Dunlap, who is currently penciled in as the Chargers’ starter: “He has great size, but he is heavy-footed and can really struggle to play low enough due to his extreme height. At best, he is a right tackle athlete and not suited to playing on the left side.” The Chargers also lost their top guard, Louis Vasquez, in free agency. We’re not sure how Philip Rivers sleeps at night.