After ending week two of preseason action with a win, the San Diego Chargers endured some tough news on Monday. Right guard D.J. Fluker was spotted on crutches while wearing a protective boot on his right foot after practice, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Fluker, a native of New Orleans, La., battled both knee and ankle injuries last season. He’s played in 43 career games, since being taken in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
The former Alabama standout played four years under Nick Saban (2009-12) at right tackle.
Fluker would be a part of three BCS national championship teams and two Southeastern Conference title squads. He guided running back Mark Ingram to a Heisman Memorial Trophy in 2009, while being selected as a second-team All-American via Walter Camp and Associated Press in 2011.
Fluker is scheduled to have an MRI done and with the issues San Diego has had along its offensive line, it hopes that Fluker can make a full recovery and return to being a impact player.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
