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GoldanDBlack express • volume 25, express 3 • 28 BY KYLE CHARTERS KCharters@GoldandBlack.com N ick Hardwick's season is over. His NFL career could be, too. The veteran was placed on the Chargers' injured reserve this week, after getting yet another stinger dur- ing San Diego's Monday night loss to Arizona. Hardwick, in his 11th season with the Chargers, has had recurring neck issues, starting late last season. He also, according to a story in the Union- Tribune, had one in San Diego's third preseason game on Aug. 24. Then, the one Monday night. "I think ultimately it looked like we were headed down the path of having a stinger a game, and that's certainly not where you want to be," Hardwick told the Union-Tribune on Wednesday. "That's not good for anybody. It's not good for me. It's not good for the team." The injury is career-threatening. The 33-year-old says he will weigh his football future a "day at a time." And he says he has other health-related is - sues to consider. "We've been having some other issues along the way, and we decided it was in ev- eryone's best interest to shut it down for the year," Hardwick told the U-T. "It's tough, man. This is my first time on IR. Of course you want to keep fighting with your buddies and show- ing up to work and … doing all that. "But at the same time, you have to look out for your health. I'm really thankful the (athletic) trainers and doctors are looking out for the player's best interests. ... Nerve dam- age isn't something you want to start mess- ing with." Kelly liKely To STarT Eagles offensive lineman Dennis Kelly has been inactive the last 17 games, but that might soon be coming to an end. Not only is the former Boilermaker ex- pected to play in Indianapolis on Monday night, but he's likely to start. Philadelphia has a couple injuries to its regular starters, necessitating the change. Kelly, a former fifth-round draft pick, started 10 games at guard and tackle during his rookie season in 2012. But a back injury last season kept him inactive. During the preseason, he played guard, the position he'll likely line up on Monday. He takes comfort in knowing he'll be surrounded by two veteran linemen, in Jason Peters and Jason Kelce. "If it works where if I do start Monday, I feel comfortable not just with my ability but having those two next to me," Kelly told Philly.com. GaSTon MovinG aGain Bruce Gaston probably hasn't unpacked his bags. The undrafted rookie is with his third team of his young career; after spending camp in Arizona, he was signed by New Eng- land, but was there only briefly. Miami, the Pa- triots' Week 1 opponent, then picked Gaston up. He was inactive on Sunday, however, as the Dolphins beat the Pats. j Injury Ends Hardwick's Season twin city dodge p r e s e n ts : b o i l e r m a k e r s i n t h e n f l San Diego Chargers Nick Hardwick is concerned about nerve damage, after getting a stringer, his latest in a series, on Monday night. He's been placed on the IR.