Chargers waive Usher, sign former Redskin
The Chargers waived punt returner Darryl Usher Tuesday and signed Anthony Allen, a punt returner and wide receiver who played with the Washington Redskins.
Usher had eight punt returns for 131 yards and a 16.4 average for the Chargers this season.
Allen played for the Redskins last season but was signed by Minnesota as an unprotected free agent. Allen was placed on injured reserve by the Vikings on Sept. 9 and released on the 27th. Washington signed Allen on Oct. 5. He was active for just one game and did not see playing time for the Redskins this season.
Allen had 10 punt returns for 62 yards (6.2 average) and five catches for 48 yards and one touchdown for the Redskins last season. Allen holds the Washington record for receiving yards in a game with 255 on seven catches during a strike game against the then St. Louis Cardinals in 1987.
San Diego State quarterback Dan McGwire was restricted from throwing in practice because of a sore right elbow, but Coach Al Luginbill said the move was precautionary and expected McGwire would play Saturday night at Texas El Paso.
Luginbill said McGwire injured the elbow in the first half of a 35-7 victory against Pacific last Saturday.
“It didn’t keep him from playing well in the second half,” Luginbill said. “And it shouldn’t keep him out this week. We just figured it was better to rest him (Tuesday).”
Reserve inside linebacker Thane Fisher underwent surgery Monday to repair his left thumb and wrist which were broken against Pacific, trainer Brian Barry said.
No date has been set for Fisher’s return. Fisher is one of several players who might not play Saturday, Barry said.
Reserve center Zae Perrin (neck) is out. Inside linebacker Eric Thompson (shoulder) is doubtful. Wide receiver Dennis Arey (hamstring), defensive end Todd Coomes (knee) and wide receiver Monty Gilbreath (groin) are questionable. Defensive end Steve Matuszewicz (groin) and outside linebacker Sai Niu (ankle) are probable. None of the injured players practiced Tuesday.
Two other players--tight end Mitch Burton (lower abdominal strain) and safety David Cooper (arthroscopic knee surgery)--returned to practice for the first time in several weeks and should be available to play at UTEP.