Charger Report

Chargers player reveals offseason surgery, isn't medically cleared for OTAs

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In this story:


With one simple interview at the start of OTAs, cornerback morphed into a problem for the Los Angeles Chargers

There, second-year cornerback Cam Hart hit the podium and told reporters that he actually had shoulder surgery to correct an injury suffered during the playoff loss to the Houston Texans. 

Even worse, Hart revealed that he’s still not medically cleared to participate, which would explain why onlookers saw him merely watching Tuesday’s proceedings from the sidelines. 


RELATED: Chargers' star Khalil Mack honored next to T.J. Watt in this distinct ranking

Despite the torn labrum and recovery, Hart said that he still expects to be fully cleared for training camp and that his best football is in front of him after he battled nagging issues here and there last season. 

Alongside Tarheeb Still, Hart was one of two breakout fifth-round cornerbacks for the Chargers last year in coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme. That would explain why Los Angeles didn’t do much of note at the position in free agency or the draft, other than signing veteran Donte Jackson, while losing names like Asante Samuel Jr. to the open market. 


RELATED: Chargers’ first priority in 2025 is to end losing ways vs. rival Chiefs

By the time training camp rolls around this summer, perhaps this will be an afterthought as Hart gets cleared and starts to practice. But right now, it was a development kept under wraps and adds a new layer of intrigue to a defense that hopes to keep its top-10 billing in 2025 after roster turnover this offseason. 

Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers projected to lose vital Week 6 matchup against AFC East opponent

Former Chargers draft pick puts up some notable UFL highlights

Chargers may cut bait with Jim Harbaugh favorite who once led Big Ten in TDs

Tuli Tuipulotu has chance to prove Chargers right in a big way after Joey Bosa's exit

Could Chargers have a sleeper draft pick contributor for Justin Herbert's offense?


Published
Chris Roling
CHRIS ROLING

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.

Share on XFollow Chris_Roling