The Chargers appear to have their man to replace D.J. Fluker.

They may not need him to that long.

Chris Hairston spent the brunt of practice Wednesday working at first-team right guard. He seems poised to start there Sunday against the Bengals in place of Fluker, who was carted off with an ankle injury during a Sunday win over the Lions. There was thought Fluker might miss four to six weeks, although the team did not release an official timetable. Fluker is expected to miss only a couple, a source said Wednesday.

Initial fear was Fluker could miss the remainder of the season with a fracture.


X-rays at Qualcomm Stadium quickly dispelled that concern, revealing the ankle was not broken. The more evaluations that followed, the more encouraging his prognosis became.

His outlook is obviously a positive development for the Chargers offensive line.

It also means little in advance to a game for which Fluker will be inactive. This week is about readying a replacement.

Hairston is preparing for the role. Sunday would mark the 16th start in his NFL career and first at guard. He made 10 starts at left tackle and five at right tackle between the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Bills. One commonality connects then and now: Chargers offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris and assistant Andrew Dees were his position coaches in Buffalo.


Fluker left Sunday’s game in the third quarter.

Hairston, 26, stepped in and played 23 of the final 25 snaps at guard.

“It’s just like getting ready at left tackle, right tackle or any spot on the roster,” Hairston said Wednesday. “It just so happens right guard is the spot they need me at this time. ... Get as many reps as you can (before Sunday). Get as much film as you can. Know your opponent. Know your game plan. It takes away a lot of the hesitation, getting the reps at it.”