Chargers Place Curtis Brinkley On Waivers (Updated)

Guess it was inevitable and certainly a business-first decision, but it's still a bummer to see that Curtis Brinkley is officially off the San Diego Chargers roster after the shooting that left him with multiple gunshot wounds that required surgery and will take 6-8 weeks to heal.

Brinkley was originally due in San Diego for the start of training camp today but since he's still a ways from being ready, the team moved on without him.  The official explanation for the transaction is "failed physical/gunshot wounds," which is...pretty much right on target.  Just how many times has an NFL team had to break that one out?

Brinkley is still listed as part of the roster on the Chargers' site and no transaction had been noted. Once he clears waivers, and assuming no other team will take a chance on him, he'll be a free agent with a chance to prove himself all over again.

Brinkley remains upbeat on Twitter and Facebook, checking in every so often to let the folks know he's on the mend and working his way back to full strength.  Swing by either and let him know you're rooting for him.

Update: The Chargers have noted the transaction on their site and according to them Curtis is actually on the “Reserve – Non-football Injury” list. 

“Unfortunately, Curtis is not ready to help us in camp at this point,” General Manager A.J. Smith said.  “We’re going to monitor this situation and see what unfolds in the future regarding Curtis.”

The good news then is that he is in fact still a member of the Charger organization. Not sure if the original announcement about him being placed on waivers was a mistake or a change was made behind the scenes.  San Diego has signed former Florida running back Kestahn Moore Friday to take Brinkley’s spot on the active roster. 

H/T: Anthony