Scott

Mruczkowski

This line is getting decimated by injury. Rookie Steve Schilling was forced from right guard to left guard and Tony Moll, who was signed last Tuesday, finished the game at right guard. Starting guards Louis Vasquez (ankle) and Kris Dielman (concussion) didn’t even suit up, and this problem won’t be fixed anytime soon. Vasquez has a high ankle sprain and Dielman is on I.R.

The move comes just one week after the man Mruczkowski was filling in for, Kris Dielman, was placed on injured reserve with a concussion of his own. Rookie Steve Schilling will now be forced to man left guard, while journeyman Tony Moll takes over at right guard. Things won’t be easy for Philip Rivers and company down the stretch.

DB Nate Ness was waived/injured in a corresponding move. A long-time Charger, Mruczkowski appeared in 10 games last season before landing on injured reserve with a concussion. He started 13 games in 2009. Mruczkowski can serve as an interior reserve, but won’t be guaranteed a roster spot in Carolina.

The 30-year-old’s “heart wasn’t in it.” Mruczkowski spent seven seasons in San Diego before latching on in Panthers training camp, starting 16 career games.

His brother is an offensive lineman on the Patriots. The deal is for the rookie miniumum of $230,000, and included a $33,000 signing bonus.

Another major blow to a running game that can’t get anything going between the tackles. Hardwick, a one-time Pro Bowler, may have to go on injured reserve if the Bolts suffer more injuries elsewhere on the roster. Scott Mruczkowski, he of two career starts in five pro seasons, will step in. It’s terrible news for LaDainian Tomlinson, who is injured himself. Expect San Diego to keep using a perimeter-based offense featuring Darren Sproles.

Nick Hardwick (ankle) returned to practice Tuesday and is expected to start Friday at Tennessee. Mruczkowski’s injury will keep him out 4-6 weeks, which would disqualify him for postseason action. The valuable backup is signed cheaply through 2010 and will return next season.

“It didn’t look good, didn’t sound good,” said Mruczkowski. Nick Hardwick’s backup had played very well since the starter was injured early in the season. The Chargers expect Hardwick to return to practice this week and rejoin the lineup Friday at Tennessee.

Mruczkowski (6'5/318) was to be a restricted free agent. He’s never started a game, but is considered a possible future successor for aging RG Mike Goff.

Mruczkowski made 13 starts for the Bolts back in 2009 when Nick Hardwick was injured. He’s a handy backup at both spots inside.