Charger Notebook : Tight End Anthony Jones Claimed Off of Waivers From Redskins
The Chargers have claimed Anthony Jones, a tight end and special teams player, off of waivers from the Washington Redskins, Coach Al Saunders announced Wednesday.
Jones, second in special teams hits for the Redskins in 1986, missed most of last season after tearing ligaments in his knee in Week 15 of 1986.
Jones’ acquisition raises questions about the future of Eric Sievers, a backup tight end and special teams player who has been on injured reserve since Oct. 12 with a neck injury.
“At this point, I don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Sievers, who has caught 152 passes for 1,793 yards in his eight seasons with the Chargers. “Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to play. I can’t get upset or disappointed. I guess I should say I’m happy I’m still here.”
Saunders said: “We feel good about Eric Sievers. He is a good special teams player, and he is a good blocking tight end. We know what he can do, and we just brought in Jones to see what he could do.”
Sievers has one reception for 2 yards this season and 27 special team hits, which include tackles, assists and blocks.
Wayne Sevier, the Chargers’ special teams coordinator who coached Jones for 3 years at Washington, said Jones is an outstanding special teams player who excelled in kickoff return blocks.
“He was a very solid player,” Sevier said. “Not a real spectacular, flashy player but a hard worker who just did his job every week.”
The Chargers also signed former Chicago quarterback Steve Fuller to take the roster spot of Mark Vlasic, who is out for the season with a knee injury.
Inside linebacker Jeff Jackson was re-signed. Wilbur Strozier, a reserve tight end, and Alvis Satele, an outside linebacker, were waived.
Chargers injuries: LB David Brandon (groin), FS Vencie Glenn (shoulder), SS Patrick Miller (hamstring), DE Leslie O’Neal (knee), RB Barry Redden (shoulder), and RB Tim Spencer (knee) are questionable for Sunday’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. CB Roy Bennett (shoulder), LB Cedric Figaro (back), DE Tyrone Keys (knee) and OG Dennis McKnight (leg) are probable.
49er injuries: CB Don Griffin (shoulder), doubtful; S Tom Homloe (calf), questionable; RB Doug DuBose (flu), TE Brent Jones (shoulder), CB Tim McKyer (knee), QB Joe Montana (knee), NT Mike Carter (shoulder), probable.
John Clay, acquired from the Raiders in the Jim Lachey trade, had successful neck surgery Tuesday. Clay, hurt in his only start in Week 3 against Seattle, was placed on injured reserve Sept. 23.