Chris

Watt

Watt is recovering from arthroscopic surgery. Even if he misses most of training camp, his spot is secure. Watt should open the season in a swing role.

A 2014 third-rounder, Watt is coming off an injury-ruined sophomore campaign. He’s a candidate to begin camp on the active/PUP list, though “there is hope” he avoids it. If healthy, Watt will be a swing man on the interior.

Consistently injury plagued since entering the league as a 2014 third-round pick out of Notre Dame, Watt was slow to recover from an offseason knee scope, and missed all of camp. Matt Slauson is the Chargers’ new starting center.

He had been on the reserve/PUP list with a knee injury. The No. 89 overall pick of the 2014 draft, Watt has been limited to 17 career appearances by injury.

The 89th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Watt made eight starts his first two seasons before succumbing to injury problems. For a team dealing with injury concerns to C Max Unger, Watt is a worthy flier to bring to camp.

It’s a surprise after Watt just signed with the Saints. He missed all of last year to knee surgery, and has been plagued with injuries since entering the league in 2014. With Max Unger and Senio Kelemete sidelined, the Saints are down to Jack Allen and Cameron Tom at center.

His return to full practice is an obvious indication Watt has fully recovered. Watt is locked in as Nick Hardwick’s 2015 replacement at center. From left to right, a vastly-improved Chargers offensive line most likely projects as LT King Dunlap, LG Orlando Franklin, C Watt, RG D.J. Fluker, and RT Joe Barksdale.

Watt played left guard his final three seasons at Notre Dame, but his clearest path to playing time runs through Jeromey Clary’s right guard spot. Clary was a solid pass blocker last season but struggled mightily in the running game. Watt could immediately challenge Clary for the starting job.

The severity of the injury is unknown. Watt kneeled for several minutes on the sideline before being carted off the field. He walked very slowly into the training room. Watt has been working at right guard with Jeromey Clary still recovering from offseason surgeries to both his hip and shoulder.

Watt was carted off due to heatstroke, but is expected to be fine. The No. 89 overall pick, Watt has reportedly shown well early in camp. With Jeromey Clary on active/PUP, Watt should continue to push for first-team reps at right guard.