Chargers sign veteran DE, waive Scafe
Two moves were made Monday on the Chargers defensive line.
At this rate, they won’t be the last before the regular season.
The team waived-injured defensive end Damik Scafe. He’ll be moved to injured reserve Tuesday upon clearing waivers. San Diego also signed Doug Worthington, a defensive end whom the Redskins waived last week.
The Chargers have struggled up front through two exhibition games. Their rush defense has allowed 5.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns, both worst in the league, while their 167.5 yards per game allowed ranks second worst. They could be in the market for defensive line depth as Aug. 30 final roster cuts near.
Worthington looks to help.
At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, he is more known for his run defense than pass-rush ability. Pittsburgh drafted him in the 2010 seventh round, but he’s spent the bulk of his career in Washington where his lone game stats came in 2012. He totaled four tackles over seven games and 49 defensive snaps, including one postseason appearance.
The Redskins cut Worthington last Thursday.
He cleared waivers Friday and worked out for the Patriots on Saturday. By Sunday morning, he was on a flight from Boston to San Diego to sign a contract.
General Manager Tom Telesco and Worthington share an alma mater. They separately attended St. Francis High in Athlon Springs, NY. Worthington said that Telesco was in touch with his former prep football coach over the past few days as the deal neared.
Worthington practiced Monday. Naturally, he has some catching up to do.
“I understand I’m behind the eight ball,” Worthington said. “A lot of guys had OTAs, two or three more weeks of camp. I have to sit down, study and ask questions. But these guys in the locker room have already helped me out tremendously. I haven’t been here for a full day, and they’ve all pulled me the side and given me advice, trying to help me not only with technique but play-calling and things I need to look for when I’m out there. It’s going to be a pretty good transition with the guys helping me out.”
Worthington was assigned jersey No. 75.
It previously belonged to Scafe, who had bad luck in August again.
Last year, it was a broken foot in the third exhibition game that left him off the Week 1 roster. This year, it was a hip injury sustained Aug. 12 during practice. Adding to the position’s woes, nose tackle Sean Lissemore (ankle) and reserve defensive end Lawrence Guy (shoulder) were injured in the first two exhibition games.
