Tag: Bryan Bulaga

Checking in on the status of Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga

The Chargers remain hopeful that Bryan Bulaga can still return at some point this season.

Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was on a clear path to a fresh start after spending most of his first season with the Chargers on the sidelines. But, unfortunately, that did not come to fruition.

After playing just two quarters in the season opener against Washington, Bulaga suffered an injury that landed him on the injured reserve.

It has been over a month since Bulaga had surgery on his core muscle, and the question still looms whether or not he will play again this season.

Head coach Brandon Staley said the team is still hopeful that Bulaga returns at some point, adding that they’re right towards the end of maybe initiating that time frame to get him activated.

Earlier in November, Staley said that Bulaga started working out on the practice field, but he still had a ways to go.

In the meantime, Storm Norton will remain the team’s starting right tackle. In 11 games, Norton has allowed 39 pressures and five sacks.

Bulaga signed a three-year, $30 million contract last year with the hopes of supplying sustainability. But considering how his tenure with the team has played out, cutting him and saving $11 million against the cap is a possibility.

The Chargers could then address the right tackle position early in next year’s draft or sign another veteran to fill the void.

Despite pass protection problems, Chargers sticking with same offensive line combination

The Chargers are going to continue to roll with Storm Norton and Michael Schofield.

The Patriots knew that to beat the Chargers meant making quarterback Justin Herbert a non-factor.

Head coach Bill Belichick, who gave Herbert fits last season, did the same on Sunday with coverage disguises as well as a lot of pressure.

This time, it came primarily from the right side of Los Angeles’ offensive line.

The Bolts gave up 17 pressures to New England, per Pro Football Focus. Tackle Storm Norton and guard Michael Schofield combined for 11 of them.

Despite the ongoing pass protection problems the past two games, the Chargers are not planning on making any changes to those spots, coach Brandon Staley confirmed.

Without starters, Bryan Bulaga and Oday Aboushi, Norton and Schofield have been tasked with keeping Herbert clean but have struggled immensely.

Norton has allowed 32 pressures this season, third-most among tackles in the NFL.

Entering the season, the depth of the offensive line was a concern. But now, the inability to bring in competent backups has been exposed.

Even by using running backs and tight ends as additional blockers in an attempt to mitigate it, it has not worked.

“We have some protection issues, where this guy is getting sped up,” Staley said of Herbert. “We’re doing everything we can to help those guys, but what we got to do is stay out of known pass.”

Staley’s comment about keeping out of known pass refers to the ongoing issues with early-down efficiency, which continued to be an issue even after having a full week to improve in that area.

Instead of moving Matt Feiler to right tackle and sliding rookie Brenden Jaimes at left guard or making a trade, Staley is comfortable with the team’s current lineup.

It seems bold. Only time will tell if it pays off.

Chargers RT Storm Norton to start vs. Chiefs despite Week 2 struggles

The Chargers are not making any changes.

Right tackle Storm Norton will remain atop of the Chargers depth chart entering Week 3 despite his struggles against the Cowboys.

Norton is slated to start this Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, according to head coach Brandon Staley.

After being handed the keys in place of Bryan Bulaga, who is currently on the injured reserve, Norton could not his find his groove the entire game, particularly in pass protection.

Norton allowed nine of the team’s 18 pressures, the majority of which came against rookie Micah Parsons. This comes after performing well in the season opener against Washington.

“I felt like he competed in the game,” Brandon Staley said about Norton’s performance. “There was some times out there where he was going against Micah Parsons, who’s a good player. And he had some that I felt like he can learn from for sure. But I felt like he gave us a chance in the game.”

Staley said Bulaga’s absence is not considered long term. He is eligible to return in two weeks, but it’s not fully guaranteed he will be healthy to return to the action at that point.

Chargers place OT Bryan Bulaga on injured reserve

The veteran right tackle is going on the injured reserve.

The Los Angeles Chargers have officially placed veteran offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga on the injured reserve with a back injury, and is eligible to return in three weeks.

In correspondence, L.A. signed Michael Schofield.

Los Angeles lost Bulaga to a back injury in the third quarter of the regular season opener against Washington.

Signed last offseason, Bulaga was expected to be the heart and soul on a fairly inexperienced offensive line but instead, he spent the majority of the season on the sidelines – making 10 starts, only playing 37.87% of the offensive snaps.

Schofield, 30, has appeared in 87 career games with 69 starts. He started all 16 games for the Chargers in 2018 and 2019.

Following his two stints with the Bolts, Schofield went on to play for the Panthers and Ravens.

Barring any changes, Storm Norton will still likely get the start at right tackle this weekend against the Cowboys.

Thursday’s injury report for Chargers ahead of matchup vs. Cowboys

Four players have not practiced this week.

The Chargers finished up their second practice ahead of Sunday’s contest against the Cowboys.

Players that did not participate for second straight day were safety Nasir Adderley (groin), tackle Bryan Bulaga (back), cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (shoulder) and defensive lineman Justin Jones (calf).

After missing the first practice with a toe issue, safety Derwin James returned to the action in a full capacity.

Kicker Tristan Vizcaino was added to the injury report as a limited participant due to an illness.

Los Angeles will have their final practice before the Week 2 matchup tomorrow.

First injury report for Chargers ahead of matchup vs. Cowboys

The Chargers had six players who did not practice on Wednesday.

The Chargers had their first practice of the week in preparation for the Week 2 matchup against the Cowboys.

The first injury report of the week had a slew of players listed.

Safety Nasir Adderley, tackle Bryan Bulaga, edge defender Kyler Fackrell, cornerback Chris Harris Jr., safety Derwin James and defensive lineman Justin Jones were non-participants.

Adderley sustained a shoulder injury in Week 1, but it’s his groin that’s giving him issues. Bulaga, who’s dealing with a back issue, is currently day-to-day. James was out of a practice with a toe injury.

Defensive back Trey Marshall (ankle) was a limited participant after missing the season opener.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in season opener vs. Washington

Highlighting Pro Football Focus’ studs and duds from the Chargers’ season opener against Washington.

In the opening game of the 2021 regular season, the Chargers took care of business on the road against Washington.

I chose three players that I felt made a huge impact on the game, but there were a handful of other top performers.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s game, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

QB Justin Herbert – 84.7

WR Mike Williams – 79.7

WR Keenan Allen – 75.3

OL Rashawn Slater – 73.5

OL Matt Feiler – 73.2

Top 5 Defense

S Derwin James – 90.0

EDGE Joey Bosa – 82.8

LB Kyzir White – 82.6

CB Chris Harris Jr. – 76.6

LB Kenneth Murray – 75.0

Bottom 5 Offense

RB Austin Ekeler – 58.6

OL Corey Linsley – 58.5

RB Larry Rountree III – 57.2

OT Bryan Bulaga – 55.8

TE Donald Parham – 53.6

Bottom 5 Defense

DL Justin Jones – 54.8

EDGE Kyler Fackrell – 50.9

CB Michael Davis – 46.8

DT Jerry Tillery – 43.7

DT Eric Banks – 29.7

Chargers OT Rashawn Slater plays well beyond his years in debut

Chargers rookie OT Rashawn Slater exceeded even the highest expectations in his debut in the professional ranks. 

In need of quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside protector, the Chargers selected offensive tackle Rashawn Slater with the No. 13 overall pick.

The selection of Slater was adored by many, included myself, who had him as the No. 2 tackle in this year’s draft class.

“While many believe he should get kicked inside at the next level, Slater is technically sound and has the athleticism and smarts to overcome any measurement concerns, projecting as a top-notch blindside blocker,” I wrote.

Leading into the draft, there were rumblings that Slater was going to have to play guard due to his height and length not being to NFL standards. This all came after he dominated elite competition at the position at Northwestern

Los Angeles did not think so.

The team knew they were going to have him protect the edge all along, and his regular season as a professional against Washington showed why Slater was destined to be an NFL offensive tackle.

Drawing two tough matchups in edge defenders Chase Young and Montez Sweat, Slater’s play resembled one similar to a veteran Pro Bowler returning for his fourth season in this league.

Slater handled everything thrown his way, showing great technique with his upper and lower half, functional strength and agility to keep rushers at bay, as well as the athleticism to take advantage of positioning and angles to get the job done in the run blocking department.

On the afternoon, Slater did not allow a single pressure to arguably the stiffest competition that he will face this season.

There was a lot of hype surrounding Slater coming out of college, and it’s safe to say that the former Wildcat exceeded even the highest expectations in his debut in the professional ranks.

Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga on track to start Week 1

The 32-year old is on track to start this Sunday against the Washington Football Team.

Entering the week, head coach Brandon Staley said that offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga’s (hip flexor) availability for the season opener would depend on how he looked at practice.

Fast forward to now and it appears that the 32-year old is trending towards starting this Sunday against the Football Team, according to head coach Brandon Staley.

If anything changes, Storm Norton will start at right tackle.

The health of Bulaga is something to be monitored this season after coming off an injury-plagued in which he only played nearly 38% of the offensive snaps.

If and when he’s on the field, the Chargers boast a stout offensive line. If not, things could get a little bit shaky.

Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga’s status unknown for season opener

The veteran right tackle might not be available for the season opener against The Washington Football Team.

The Chargers will head into the 2021 season with a completely revamped offensive line that features starters at four spots.

However, the only returner from last season, right tackle Bryan Bulaga, might not be available for this upcoming Sunday’s matchup against The Washington Football Team.

The status of Bulaga, who is currently dealing with a hip flexor issue, will be determined when the team starts practicing this week, according to head coach Brandon Staley. If the veteran can’t play, Storm Norton would then get the start at right tackle.

Signed last offseason, Bulaga was expected to be the heart and soul on a fairly inexperienced offensive line but instead, he spent the majority of the season on the sidelines – making 10 starts, only playing 37.87% of the offensive snaps.

The talent of Bulaga is there, but so is the injury history. If the 32-year old can’t consistently stay healthy, the team may decide to cut ties with him before he enters the final year of his contract in 2022.