Pro Football weekly

The San Diego Chargers have released Gaither, which will cost them a $6 million hit against the salary cap.||||||| Gaither was signed to a four-year, $24.5 million contract after playing well in the final five games of 2011. But he developed a mysterious back injury early in training camp last summer and was slow to return, raising questions about his work ethic. He played in only four of the first 10 games before injuring his groin and going on injured reserve.

The San Diego Chargers have placed Gaither on injured reserve, ending an unproductive season for a player expected to shore up a shaky offensive line.||||||| Gaither played in only four games this season. He missed almost all of training camp and the first three games with a back injury. He injured his groin late in a loss at New Orleans and played in only two games since. Undrafted rookie Mike Harris has filled in. Gaither was signed off waivers after Marcus McNeill was hurt late last year, and played well in the final five games. The Chargers gave Gaither a four-year, $24.5 million contract in March.

Gaither sat out the San Diego Chargers' light practice on Wednesday.||||||| Gaither strained his groin late in a 31-24 loss at New Orleans and gave up a sack during which Philip Rivers lost a fumble to the Saints. Coach Norv Turner refused to give an injury update.

Gaither remains out with back spasms.||||||| There's currently no timetable for the offensive tackle's return.