McNiel is dealing with a sprained neck, and Chargers coach Norv Turner told the North County Times that McNiel is expected to miss Monday’s game. While McNiel still could play if he improves, it is not looking good.

We are also hearing a report that San Diego OLB Larry English has a broken foot. This comes from San Diego Tribune beat reporter Kevin Acee. English, a 2009 first-round pick, has not been starting for the Chargers. He did, however, record two sacks in a game against the Dolphins this year. He also recorded 1.5 sacks against the Chiefs last December.

Obviously McNiel is the big fish here. Should he not be able to go, the Chiefs will have a much better shot at getting to Philip Rivers.

Source: Yardbarker.com

The NFL football season will get underway tonight and while the Chiefs don’t hit the field until Monday night, we are in full game week mode here at AA.

As part of our Monday Night Preview, I spoke to Ernie over at Bolt Beat. Ernie just took over the site and he is already doing a fantastic job over there. Ernie was kind enough to answer a few of my questions. I encourage you guys to head over to Bolt Beat and welcome Ernie to the Fansided family. Even though he roots for the wrong football team, he is playing for the right sports blog network.

Here is what Ernie had to say about the Dolts Bolts.

1. The Chargers have dealt with a pretty distracting offseason. Obviously the big story is the holdouts of Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson. How is the absence of these two All-Pro players going to impact the Bolts this season?

It would be a lie to say that the team would not be better without those guys. Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill are both All-Pro level talents and are being replaced with players that have yet to prove that level of success. There is still a lot of confidence in the offense with the addition of Ryan Mathews and Patrick Crayton. The offense will take on a different attitude this season and force the ball with the run. There are still plenty of offensive weapons with Antonio Gates leading the charge. Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee still have the ability to stretch the field and Darren Sproles is always a threat to take it to the house.

(more…)

Well, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McNeil and Jackson plan to call San Diego’s bluff by sitting out the entire 2010 season if necessary.

Not only will McNeill and Jackson not sign the current or reduced tender, they do not plan to report for the start of training camp and quite possibly well beyond, according to league sources.

Each player wants a long-term deal befitting the salaries of some of the top players at the position. Neither plans to sign his tender anytime soon.

If the McNeil and Jackson sit the season out it will be a big blow to the Chargers. I think San Diego will still be a good team as they are loaded with talent but it is important to never underestimate the contribution of your stars.

Remember what happened to the Chiefs offensive line when Wilie Roaf retired?

Given these developments and the fact that KC’s own Jarrad Page also appears ready to sit out the season, I wanted to pose a question to all of you.

Technically, the Chiefs and the Chargers are not doing anything wrong in these situations. They are playing by the agreed upon rules of restricted free agency. These players are without leverage. If they refuse to sign they will not be able to play in 2010 and they will remain restricted free agents in 2011.

An argument can be made for both sides. I want to know what you think? Should the Chiefs and Chargers pony up and pay their players what they’ve earned, even though the rules state that they can get another year out of them for less? Or should the players shut up, take their millions of dollars and play it out?

Sound off!