CHARGERS: Dielman suffers concussion and seizure, out at least two games
SAN DIEGO — Chargers offensive lineman Kris Dielman suffered a
grand mal seizure in an airplane Sunday upon the team’s return from
New York and will miss at least two games, a source confirmed
Thursday.
The source said Dielman suffered the seizure moments before the
plane landed at Lindbergh Field in a “violent” episode in which he
bit into his lip and tongue before regaining consciousness. An
ambulance met the plane on the tarmac, and Dielman was taken to the
hospital for observation before being released Monday.
Dielman suffered a concussion in Sunday’s game against the New
York Jets. He has ruled himself out of Monday night’s game against
Kansas City and he will miss at least one additional game. The
standout left guard suffered head trauma during the fourth quarter
but remained in the game and continued to play.
“My understanding is that Kris was struggling on the way home
and had a seizure,” said Dielman’s agent, Mike McCartney, who chose
to comment only after the story was reported by multiple news
outlets. “He was taken to the hospital, went through a battery of
tests, and it was determined he was OK. It looks like there’s no
fear of long-term complications and that he’s going to be OK.”
Dielman on Thursday declined to discuss what happened on the
plane. He did address the concussion.
“The lingering headaches are there. … You have to tread
lightly,” Dielman said. “We’ll take the proper precautions and see
what happens.”
Dielman hasn’t practiced since Sunday’s game, though he has been
at Chargers Park and attended team and positional meetings. Dielman
has not taken the NFL’s post-concussion test required for athletes
to be cleared to play.
The four-time Pro Bowler was concussed in the fourth quarter of
Sunday’s loss on a play in which he staggered to retain his balance
and nearly fell forward.
“I believe he suffered a concussion early in the fourth quarter,
but I’m not sure exactly when he was diagnosed,” McCartney said. “I
do know that he continued to play.”
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn’t return a call seeking
comment Thursday night. The team wouldn’t comment on when the
concussion was diagnosed and why Dielman continued to play. A
Chargers spokesman declined comment on a timeline for the
concussion, when Dielman was first treated for it and the
subsequent seizure on the airplane. A player suspected of suffering
a concussion is required by the NFL to be examined on the
sideline.
The Chargers had run out of reserve offensive linemen when
Dielman suffered the concussion. Tackle Marcus McNeill suffered a
sprained neck, as did reserve center/guard Scott Mruczkowski.
Tyronne Green was inactive to create depth at other spots, leaving
seven linemen instead of eight.
That left no true backup for Dielman, who said Thursday that his
memory of the concussion-inducing play was spotty.
“It was one of those plays where I banged my head a little bit,”
Dielman said. “Now I have to deal with it.”
Green will start while Dielman is out. He started at right guard
last season when Dielman missed a game at Houston. Monday’s game
will be just the fourth he has missed since becoming a starter in
2005.
McNeill practiced in a limited role on Thursday and said he
expects to play against the Chiefs.
Chargers notes
In addition to LG Kris Dielman, WR
Malcom Floyd (hip), OLB Shaun
Phillips (foot) and RB Mike Tolbert
(hamstring, hand) did not participate in Thursday’s workout.
Tolbert has not tested his hamstring yet. FB Jacob
Hester (foot), LT Marcus McNeill (neck)
and C/G Scott Mruczkowski (neck) were limited.
Chargers coach Norv Turner expects Phillips to
practice this week and hopes Floyd can do the same. TE
Antonio Gates (foot) and WR Vincent
Jackson (hamstring) were full participants. … CBs
Marcus Gilchrist and Antoine
Cason are mixing time with the first team during practice,
although Gilchrist got most of the work.
Call staff writer Scott Bair at 760-739-6642. For instant
coverage, go to twitter.com/nctchargers.