Chargers looking to Chris Watt to replace Nick Hardwick

With longtime Chargers center Nick Hardwick retiring this week, the team will look to Chris Watt to replace him, reports ESPN.com. Watt started five games as a rookie and played in 12 overall, including some time at guard.

“You just don’t plug a guy in and figure he’s going to fill [Hardwick’s] shoes right away,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “We’re happy with the guys we have, but no one is going to walk in and be Nick Hardwick on Day 1. And we’re not asking them to do that.”

Offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris said he's looking forward to watching Watt develop.

"I think he has a lot of great qualities as an offensive lineman," D'Alessandris said. "He’s got a good mind. He wants to grow. He’s a sponge. He wants to absorb and learn.”