Chargers sign center, put Scifres on IR

A fifth horse will join the Chargers’ season-long carousel at center.

To create room, their top punter was moved to the stable.

Jeff Baca was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster Saturday. He’ll handle a reserve role Sunday against the Chiefs with Trevor Robinson expected to become the fifth starting center for San Diego this season. Punter Mike Scifres was placed on season-ending injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Robinson will make his first start since 2012.

He played all but the first nine snaps last week in an overtime win versus the 49ers. Center Chris Watt injured his ankle in the first quarter. Robinson, a midseason signing off the Bengals practice squad, follows Nick Hardwick, Rich Ohrnberger, Doug Legursky and Watt as starting centers in 2014.

He won’t be the only new starter on the line.

Beside him, Jeremiah Sirles will make his first career start at right guard. The undrafted rookie made his NFL debut in Santa Clara, grading out well after Johnnie Troutman suffered a third-quarter knee injury. Troutman is out for the season.

Scifres broke his collarbone when a Dec. 7 punt was blocked against the Patriots.

He underwent surgery the next day, the initial hope he could return for playoffs. Mat McBriar will continue to work in his place.