During the Chargers' bye week, defensive coordinator Ron Rivera indicated to his struggling "D" that changes could be made prior to the team's next contest. That statement came to fruition Wednesday, when starting SS Clinton Hart was released in order to make room for DT Ian Scott. Although Hart's sudden departure might have come as a shock to some, we hear that those close to the team were not surprised by the move, with many expecting that it would have happened this past offseason. A full-time starter for San Diego since the beginning of 2007, Hart was considered to be one of the main reasons for the club's troubles defending the pass last season, and the 32-year-old's play hadn't improved in '09. Searching for answers on their underachieving defense, the Chargers will turn to younger options Steve Gregory and Kevin Ellison, who are expected to split time at strong safety — unless one of them emerges as an every-down player.

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