Chargers' Gates Hurt Most By Parker's Injury

WR Eric Parker's surgery to repair a broken bone near his big toe didn't make major headlines, but it could put a major crimp in the Chargers' Super Bowl aspirations. Already lacking proven veteran receivers, Parker was expected to start opposite Vincent Jackson at least until rookie Craig Davis was able to learn the offense enough to push for a starting role.

Now with Parker out for up to 10 weeks, the Chargers have to hope Davis and fellow youngster Malcom Floyd can speed up their development. If not, the Chargers will again struggle to instill enough fear in defenses to prevent them from constantly double-teaming TE Antonio Gates. It's also a bad sign for QB Philip Rivers, who loses his steadiest outside receiver.