SAN DIEGO — Chargers center Nick Hardwick will not play against the Broncos on Sunday in the showdown between AFC West leaders at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Hardwick, out since having ankle surgery following the season opener, missed practice Thursday. The former Pro Bowler returned to practice four weeks ago but he hasn’t practiced since a setback last Wednesday.
Several players returned to practice, including tight end Antonio Gates and linebackers Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman.
Offensive tackle Jeromey Clary hasn’t practiced since leaving Sunday’s victory against Philadelphia because of an ankle injury. Coach Norv Turner said Clary might work out Saturday.
Shanahan not in Bills’ plans
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Firing coach Dick Jauron on Tuesday was merely the start of a major overhaul Bills owner Ralph Wilson is prepared to conduct this offseason in order to make his team a contender.
Wilson said he’s open to going after a high-profile coach, is willing to hire a general manager with a football background, and warned that no position on his team is safe.
“I tell you, we have a lot of work to do,” Wilson said. “We’ve got to revamp and take a look at the whole operation and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Wilson discounted reports the team is interested in interviewing former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.
“I don’t know anything about him,” Wilson said, adding defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will finish the season as interim coach.
• The Bills signed quarterback Brian Brohm off the Packers’ practice squad.
Bush misses practice
METAIRIE, La. — Reggie Bush has missed two practices this week as the Saints try to rest their running back’s left knee.
It’s the same knee Bush had surgery on last December to repair cartilage.
Saints coach Sean Payton said Bush has had some swelling in the knee and is getting some rest. Payton would not say what Bush’s chances of playing are Sunday at Tampa Bay.
Stefanie Spielman dies at 42
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Stefanie Spielman, the wife of former NFL and Ohio State linebacker Chris Spielman who led a public fight against breast cancer, died after a lengthy battle with the disease. She was 42.
“Stefanie has gone home to be with the Lord,” Chris Spielman said in a statement. “For that, we celebrate, but with broken hearts. I want to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 years. Together, with your help, hopefully we made a difference in this fight.”
Stefanie Spielman was 30 years old and three months pregnant in 1998 when she detected a lump in her breast. She later miscarried and discovered she had cancer. She survived four bouts with cancer before a fifth recurrence in March.
The Spielmans raised more than $6 million for breast cancer research at Ohio State through the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.
Footnotes.
Rams defensive end C.J. Ah You is lost for the remainder of the season because of a knee injury.
• After missing the first nine games of the season with a severe hamstring strain, Giants cornerback Aaron Ross is ready to make his 2009 debut Sunday against the Falcons.
The Associated Press
