Castillo to miss six weeks

Adjust font size

Monday, Nov 05, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Defensive end Luis Castillo underwent surgery Monday afternoon to repair a tendon in his ankle. The injury is expected to keep Castillo out approximately six weeks. His target return date is the Chargers’ Christmas Eve game against the Denver Broncos.

Castillo was hurt on the first drive of the second half of Sunday’s loss at Minnesota. He left the game and did not return. The injury occurred to Castillo’s right ankle. Last season, a sprain to his left ankle caused Castillo to miss six games late in the season.

Prior to the injury, the Northwestern product was having another solid season in his third NFL campaign. Castillo is credited with 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss on the season.

Fifth-year veteran Jacques Cesaire is slated to start in Castillo’s place. Cesaire and fellow reserve Ryon Bingham have seen plenty of action in the defensive end rotation this season. Cesaire is credited with 19 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble this year. Cesaire started 10 games in 2006 and had his best season of his career, recording four sacks and 47 tackles.

“(Injuries) are always a part of it,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “When we’ve had guys injured, we’ve had guys step in and play well. That’s something that we’re counting on.”

Cornerback Quentin Jammer was the only other injury reported from Sunday’s game. Turner categorized him as day-to-day with a sore hamstring.

Wide receiver Buster Davis (ankle) is expected to return to practice Wednesday and be ready to play Sunday after missing the last two weeks. Linebacker Shaun Phillips (groin) is expected to be back at full speed and ready to play Sunday.

Turner said Hardwick would be limited in practice this week but the coach is not optimistic that his Pro Bowl center will be ready for the Colts. It’s unfortunate on a personal level for Hardwick, considering he grew up in Indianapolis.

More Cromartie?

After another impressive week from Antonio Cromartie, Turner was again pressed Monday on the issue of using the second-year corner more in the return game. Turner said that he’d considered it against Minnesota but with Jammer’s status, he didn’t want to risk injury to another cornerback by extending his special teams responsibilities.

“He is amazing,” Turner said of Cromartie. “There is a place for that. It’s something we’ve got to continue to consider.”

Still in first

The Bolts’ loss Sunday was coupled by losses from their three AFC West foes, meaning that the Chargers remain tied with Kansas City for first place in the division. When asked about the team’s status, Turner chose his words wisely.

“I don’t use the word relieved, and I wouldn’t say surprised because nothing would surprise me,” Turner said. “Going into this season I think everyone in our division knew the schedules we had were tough. We let a couple games get away early that we were in position to win. That’s complicated our situation.”

This week, Chiefs host the Broncos while the Raiders are at home against the Chicago Bears.

Shoe fits?

Turner didn’t like the fact that he was in a position to make the analogy, but he found a good parallel concerning his rushing defense Monday.

“I don’t like these comparisons, but it fits here,” Turner said. “The Colts in December last year gave up 375 yards rushing to Jacksonville. The game got away from them in that instance. That doesn’t mean this week’s game has to get away from us. It doesn’t mean we can’t go do the things this week that we’ve been doing over the last month.”

The Colts’ defense eventually helped propel through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl XLI victory.

Big dip

Going into Sunday’s game, the Chargers ranked eighth in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing just 88 yards per game on the ground. Minnesota’s performance sent the Bolts tumbling to 22^nd in the league. The one game sent the rushing yards allowed per game average to 125 yards.

Get it out

The Chargers were able to force two second-half fumbles that helped keep them in the game Sunday, but Turner believes his defense’s effort to strip the ball contributed to the poor tackling performance.

“That’s where some of the sloppy tackling came from,” Turner said.

The Bolts have recovered 10 fumbles this season, tied for second most in the NFL.

Sack hunger

In conjunction Sunday’s game against the Colts, the Chargers will host their annual food drive. Fans are encouraged to bring in canned goods to drop off at one of the 12 entry gates into the stadium. San Diego Food Bank red barrels will be available at each gate. The fan who brings in the most food will receive a special prize from the Chargers during the game.

The San Diego Food Bank (SDFB), a critical resource for alleviating hunger throughout San Diego County, is the beneficiary of the Chargers’ food drive.

Donald Miralle, Getty Images North America

The Chargers will be without Luis Castillo for at least six weeks.

	Monday: Norv Turner Norv Turner gives an update on Luis Castillo and discusses Sundays 35-17 loss to the Vikings. Play
	Monday: Shawne Merriman LB Shawne Merriman talks about going up against Adrian Peterson and the Vikings offense on Sunday November 4, 2007 in Minnesota. Play
	Monday: Philip Rivers QB Philip Rivers speaks with the media at Chargers Park on Monday. Play
	Monday: LaDainian Tomlinson At Mondays press conference, RB LaDainian Tomlinson tells the media that "It's tough to win in this league." Play