SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Chargers boarded a plane for Phoenix on Tuesday night, not knowing where or when they will play their next game.
They left town because of the wildfires that chased many in the organization out of their homes, fouled the air and left Sunday’s scheduled home game against the Houston Texans in doubt.
Their superstar running back knows his home survived the firestorm. Their general manager hasn’t heard if he’ll have a house to come home to.
While they spent Monday taking care of their families, it was time to get back to business.
“We need to get ready to play football,” said general manager A.J. Smith, who evacuated his home and doesn’t know if it’s still standing.
The Chargers will practice at the Arizona Cardinals’ headquarters in Tempe today, Thursday and Friday. They packed for any eventuality because the NFL and the Chargers are still debating what to do about Sunday’s game.
Qualcomm Stadium is being used as an evacuation center. An estimated 10,000 people were there Tuesday, under smoky skies.
“Our attitude is, we’re going to practice for three days, and give us a buzz and let us know where we’re going,” Smith said as the Chargers lined up at their headquarters to board buses to the airport. “Wherever it is, or whatever day it is, we’ll do the best we can to get a victory against Houston. That’s where it’s at.”
The Cardinals have a bye Sunday, and their stadium, located in Glendale, is scheduled to host a motorcycle show Friday through Sunday afternoon.
Qualcomm Stadium general manager Erik Stover said the building can be ready to host an NFL game by Sunday, but it all depends on when the fires are contained.
“The longer it goes, the less likely,” Stover said. “We’re an evacuation site until we’re no longer needed.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said options include playing the game in Los Angeles, at Arizona State’s Sun Devil Stadium – the Cardinals’ former home – at Texas Stadium in Dallas or Reliant Stadium, the Texans’ home field.
“It’s a little weird,” running back LaDainian Tomlinson said, adding, “You’re just thankful you haven’t lost a house.”
