Shortly after announcing guard Matt Slauson was lost for the year with a biceps injury on Monday, Head Coach Anthony Lynn revealed the team was evaluating their options on who would take his spot on the 53-man roster.
It turns out it's a familiar face.
The Chargers signed veteran tackle Michael Ola on Tuesday for his second stint with the team. He previously spent time with the Bolts in 2015. The Chargers also announced that Slauson was officially placed on the reserve/injured list.
The 6-5, 312-pound Ola spent time in the Arena League and Canadian Football League before catching on with the Chicago Bears in 2014. He appeared in 13 games that year with 12 starts. Coincidentally, he got his first career start that year when Slauson was out with an injury for the Bears.
Chicago waived Ola right before the 2015 season, and the Chargers signed him to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in Week 4's win over the Cleveland Browns. The Bolts waived him after the game hoping to stash him back on the practice squad. However, the Detroit Lions claimed him, and he went on to play in nine games that year with seven starts.
Ola appeared in six games a year ago for the Buffalo Bills, and spent time with them this preseason. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury in the fourth exhibition game and was waived/injured. Now fully healthy, he brings a versatile presence to the Bolts.
