Brandyn

Dombrowski

Coach Hue Jackson has been preaching that Wimbley’s sacks would come in bunches. That was the case Thursday night thanks to LT Marcus McNeill’s first-quarter stinger injury. Wimbley whipped replacement Brandyn Dombrowski all night, keeping Rivers and the Bolts passing game off balance throughout.

The deal isn’t guaranteed, and Dombrowski won’t see a penny of his scheduled salary if he’s among San Diego’s final cuts. He may compete directly with newly acquired Mario Henderson for a roster spot. Dombrowski has been a swinging gate in previous spot starts. He should have no chance at a starting job.

In just over three quarters of action as LT Marcus McNeill’s replacement, Dombrowksi was worked over by Kamerion Wimbley for four sacks and five more QB hits. He was also whipped relentlessly by Seahawks DE Chris Clemons in Week 3 of the 2010 season. Philip Rivers has to hope McNeill returns for Week 11 against Julius Peppers and the Bears defense.

The entire left side of the Bolts O-Line is also out, leaving overwhelmed backup Brandyn Dombrowski at left tackle, backup center Scott Mruczkowski at left guard, and street free agent Tony Moll (or rookie Stephen Schilling) at right guard. Philip Rivers is going to be throwing from a muddy pocket against the Bears.

Yikes. Gaither was just claimed off waivers on Wednesday, but is getting the immediately call thanks to Brandyn Dombrowski’s foot injury. Dombrowski was already filling in for starter Marcus McNeill (injured reserve, back). Philip Rivers has been sacked 28 times in 11 games this year.

He’s expected to be placed on the camp/PUP list after already missing a portion of offseason practices. Already considered a roster long shot after a dismal performance last season, Dombrowski may not suit up for the Chargers again.

As expected since the beginning of camp, fifth-round OG Johnnie Troutman (torn pectoral) will begin the year on reserve/PUP. Dombrowski is dealing with a cyst on his foot.

“It’s the furthest thing from my mind,” head coach Norv Turner recently said. Dombrowski is dealing with a cyst on his foot, and Troutman tore his pectoral muscle before training camp then underwent a knee scope in September. Both players are on the non-football injury/reserve list, and if they don’t return before Week 9 they won’t be eligible to play in 2012.

Troutman is signed for 2013, but Dombrowski is not. Troutman was a fifth-round pick last April, and will compete for one of the Chargers’ final roster spots next summer. Coming into 2012, Dombrowski had appeared in at least 15 games each of the past three seasons.

The Bolts have a three-week window to activate the reserve linemen from the PUP list. Coach Norv Turner suggested two weeks that both players are likely to miss the rest of the season.