Antonio

Garay

He barely played after being drafted by the Browns in 2003.

One of the league’s top run-pluggers in 2010, Garay’s effectiveness waned in his age-32 season. He’s started 28 of 32 games the past two years after appearing in just 16 games from 2003-2009. The Chargers did not make it a priority to sign Garay early on because 2010 fifth-rounder Cam Thomas played well in a rotational role last year.

Garay has reportedly gotten little attention from San Diego’s front office while it works to re-sign free agent Vincent Jackson. Garay is 32 years old and his play slipped dramatically in 2011. The nose tackle’s market value won’t be strong.

According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, there is no “immediate timetable for a response.” Castillo is the only player known to have made a visit elsewhere, spending Saturday in New England. If Hester re-signs, he wouldn’t be guaranteed a roster spot after the Bolts gave FB Le’Ron McClain a three-year deal last Tuesday.

The Bolts have a standing offer out to Garay, who has yet to line up any visits in free agency. Until he does, he has zero leverage with a team that doesn’t want to overpay for his services heading into his age-33 campaign.

The Bolts are high on Garay’s young backup, Cam Thomas, and the 32-year-old Garay took a step back as a run defender after a mammoth 2010 season. Garay could make some sense as a late-career signing in the Fred Robbins mold with old pal Ron Rivera and the Panthers. He’s probably got a solid year or two left.

The injury kept him out last week against the Raiders, and regardless the Chargers have given up 5.41 yards per carry over their last five weeks. His return certainly isn’t going to hurt matters, but this is still one of the best matchups Matt Forte will see all year.

Garay is 32, and the Chargers are “optimistic they can retain (him) without breaking the bank.” Garay may return on a low-cost, short-term deal, but he’s obviously not a long-term solution. Backup Cam Thomas showed lots of promise as a situational run-stopper in 2011, and figures to see a bump in playing time.

Garay was spotted “walking gingerly” and did not return. We should have more information on his status during the week. Initial indications were that Garay’s injury is significant.

It’s not a high ankle sprain. Garay was seen in a protective walking boot Sunday, but the Chargers don’t anticipate a “prolonged absence.” 32-year-old Garay knows the defense well. His absence is not a 2012 defensive concern.