San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) warms-up before the preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Mike McCoy is apparently willing to stir the pot a little when it comes to naming his team's captains.
Tight end Antonio Gates will wear a "C" on his jersey and serve a four-game PED suspension this season, according to U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken. So will disgruntled safety Eric Weddle.
Gates' ban will put his team in an awkward position until Week 5. Per Gehlken, McCoy will trot out either left tackle King Dunlap or wide receiver Malcolm Floyd in his place until then.
Weddle, meanwhile, had a very public falling out with the team this spring. He's hinted on multiple occasions that this will be his final season in powder blues.
Joining the two are quarterback Philip Rivers, defensive end Corey Liuget, special teams ace Darrell Stuckey, and that aforementioned Dunlap/Floyd platoon.
Gates and Weddle obviously belong in that group for their on-field achievements. McCoy's timing is just odd.
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