Corey

Linsley

Linsley previously said he was “99 percent” sure he would retire this offseason and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted he is “set to retire” when reporting the transaction. The Chargers also restructured his contract earlier this offseason in anticipation of the announcement. Linsley’s retirement should be made official sooner rather than later. The veteran center played for 10 years, the final three of which came in Los Angeles. He earned one Pro Bowl nomination and one First-Team All-Pro nod during his decade of football. The Chargers signed Bradley Bozeman in March as a potential replacement for Linsley.

Bozeman started all 17 games for the Panthers last season but was released earlier this month despite signing a three-year, $18 million contract extension last offseason. A former sixth-round pick by the Ravens in 2018, Bozeman has carved out a solid NFL career through his first six years in the league and now gets to team up another Harbaugh in Los Angeles. He earned a PFF blocking grade of 62.2 last year and was credited with allowing a career-high eight sacks on 32 pressures — also a career-high. The singing of Bozeman suggests Corey Linsley, who has been rumored to be on the verge of retiring, may be walking away from the game in the near future. The Chargers restructured Linsley’s contract earlier this offseason when they lowered his $11.5 million base salary for 2024 to the veteran minimum.

According to Yates, the Chargers lowered Linsley’s base salary from $11.5 million to the minimum for next season, creating $10.29 million in cap space. If Linsley were to retire after June 1st, the Chargers can spread out his dead cap hit over the next two years. This is significant because Linsley said at the end of the season that he was “99 percent” sure he’d retire this offseason. The veteran center was placed on injured reserve with a “non-emergent” heart issue last season and was limited to just three games as a result. While it’s still early in the offseason, this restructuring hints at Linsley walking away at a time that will be convenient for both him and the Chargers.

Linsley was initially listed with an “illness” on the team’s injury report, but we now know he’ll miss at least the next four weeks with this heart issue. We don’t yet know the severity of Linsley’s heart issue, but with Condon classifying it as “non-emergent”, it doesn’t sound like it’s something the team is concerned with as far as the long-term is concerned.

Linsley has not practiced all week and there haven’t been any concrete updates on his status. He could also be sidelined for Week 5. Will Clapp will likely start in Linsley’s place versus the Raiders.

Linsley missed Weeks 12 and 13 because of the concussion. Right tackle Trey Pipkins is listed as doubtful, but Linsley’s return from the brain injury is a step in the right direction for an injury-riddled offensive line.

He left Week 12’s game with the brain injury and did not practice all week. Will Clapp will again be asked to hold down center for Los Angeles.

Linsley left in the first half and was replaced by Will Clapp. Los Angeles’ injury fortune continues to be amongst the worst in the NFL. Linsley has been one of the best pass-protecting centers in the NFL this year, with an 88.5 PFF pass block grade entering today’s proceedings.

Allen was ruled out on Friday after appearing to re-injure his hamstring in practice. C Corey Linsley (knee) is active after missing practice on Friday. Also inactive for the Chargers are TE Donald Parham (hamstring), DL Otito Ogbonnia, QB Easton Stick, RB Isaiah Spiller, and S J.T. Woods

Linsley was not spotted in the open portion of Friday’s practice but Chargers coach Brandon Staley said he expects him to start. It’s good news for an LA offense that just lost their left tackle for the year. Linsley will likely need to make it through a final session of warmups before getting the green light on Sunday.