Bolts add two vets, release Pinnock

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Monday, Sep 01, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

After announcing the team’s 53-man roster Saturday afternoon, Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said the list was far from final and could quickly change. Two days later, it did.

The Chargers signed veteran tight end Kris Wilson, formerly of the Chiefs and most recently by the Philadelphia Eagles, and added former Falcons guard Kynan Forney Monday.

In order to make room for them on their roster, the Chargers released fullback Andrew Pinnock and placed center Cory Withrow on “Reserve-Injured.” Withrow suffered a hamstring injury in Friday night’s preseason finale at San Francisco.

Wilson was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2004 draft following a standout career at the University of Pittsburgh. During his time playing beside Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City, Wilson lined up at tight end, H-Back and was the club’s starting fullback for 11 games in 2006. Wilson signed with Philadelphia as a free agent this offseason but was released Saturday.

The Chargers were light at the tight end position after Scott Chandler suffered a season-ending toe injury Friday night in San Francisco. Wilson’s versatility will also allow him to have a role alongside Mike Tolbert at fullback. In 49 career games, Wilson has caught 42 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns.

Forney’s signing is similar to the moves the Chargers made earlier this offseason to acquire center Jeremy Newberry and tackle L.J. Shelton. Forney is an eight-year veteran who has played in 95 games and started 88 during his career. Most of his action has come at guard, where he was named a first alternate to the Pro Bowl in 2005.

The Falcons led the NFL in rushing three straight seasons from 2004-2006, and during that time Forney was considered the club’s best offensive lineman. The University of Hawaii product has some familiarity with the Chargers coaching staff. Bolts tight ends coach Clancy Barone spent three seasons with Forney in Atlanta and coached the offensive line in 2004, and running backs coach Ollie Wilson held the same position in Atlanta for six of Forney’s seven seasons with the club.

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