December 11, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Jared Gaither (78) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

Let me start by making something clear…. We all know it’s only week 3 of the regular season that is approaching.  It is early to be considering a “question mark” as a reserve/injured candidate.

But, to me, that is the problem.  The big, huge question mark.  I wrote a while back that the secrecy, coupled with the lack of a timetable for return, has most of the Bolt Nation up in arms.  It’s easy to remain optimistic when zero regular season games have been played.

We’re past that point.  In Turner’s most recent interviews he has seemed annoyed by even the mentioning of Gaither’s name.  Meaning, in addition to the frustration of the fanbase, even the coaching staff is sick of the “Big Lazy situation.”

There’s a good chance that the organization has it’s tail between it’s legs, as far as divulging the truth about Gaither’s injury, while waiting to see how Michael Harris performs.  Although he has received some help in blocking assignments, Harris has looked extremely good for an undrafted free agent.  He, of course, has had a couple rough spots.  But I have seen a lot of promise from him in the past two games.  Is it safe to assume that he will only continue to improve.

So that leads us to this question.  Should the Chargers place Jared Gaither on I.R. in an effort to free up a roster spot?  It is no secret that San Diego could use more depth at both the offensive tackle and cornerback positions.  Despite the fact that there aren’t many marquee names left on the free agent list, at any position, it would be nice to put this whole Gaither mess to bed for this season.

The Chargers have won their first two games of the season.  Kansas City and Oakland have started out at 0-2; now is the time to stay focused.  I think most of the Bolt Family watched Denver fall to our week 3 opponent the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bolts need to do what they can to refrain from distractions that they are capable of evading.  It just so happens that Jared Gaither’s injury is an issue that they can avoid.

I vote that we place him on injured reserve and move on with the anticipation of closely monitoring him during the upcoming offseason.  I am a firm believer in beating “enough is enough” to the punch.

Note to A.J.: Please don’t wait until enough is more than enough.

Thanks a lot for reading.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

P.S. To the richard that points out that A.J. doesn’t visit BoltBeat.com….. he should!

May 29, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Jared Gaither (78) at organized team activities at Chargers Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Despite the “progression” from watching on the sideline to practicing on a side field, Jared Gaither will not be playing on Monday night against the Raiders.

Knowing that Oakland has one of the better defensive lines in the NFL, the Chargers are now forced to march undrafted free agent Mike Harris out onto the field to protect the blindside of Philip Rivers.

To say that the frustration level of the fans is high would be an obvious understatement. The secrecy and unwillingness, on the team’s part, to speak about Gaither’s health has become extremely frustrating.

I don’t expect Norv and company to want to show their hand to opposing teams, but one would like to at least hear of a timetable in relation to Gaither’s return to action.

We’ve all heard the rumors about how he earned the nickname Big Lazy. But we’re getting to the point where those rumors are proving to be facts.

In the offseason the Chargers signed Gaither to a 4 year contract. That contract was signed for 24.6 million dollars with 13.5 million in guaranteed money.

This is a make or break year for the Bolts organization in many ways. Norv Turner’s seat is so hot that you could fry an egg on it. (That was for you Pops)

Despite reports that A.J. Smith is safe beyond the 2012 season, Dean Spanos will cause even more fury to the fanbase if Smith is retained after another season without a trip to the playoffs. Not just a trip to the playoffs but an extended stay, if you will.

The Chargers have many players that are in the last year of their contract. Names like Jammer, Cason, Phillips, and Floyd come to mind immediately.

But be sure to sleep well knowing that Gaither has that 4 year deal. The fact that we still have no clue when Gaither is coming back to practice is more than unsettling.

As much as we’d all like Mike Harris to dominate at left tackle, there is still the issue of a possible swing and a miss signing by A.J. Smith.

Philip Rivers is the key to this team’s success. Without Rivers the Bolts would be lucky to win 5 games. He needs Gaither to get back to playing football. Knowing the competitor that Rivers is, I can’t imagine that he isn’t fuming behind closed doors at the Big Lazy situation.

Although I have yet to be forced into a straight jacket, the whole Gaither fiasco is driving me crazy. Here’s to hoping that it is resolved shortly. But you know what they say, hope in one hand and…..you get the point.

Thanks a lot for reading.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP