Nate Kaeding Injury: Latest Update on Kicker's Injury

The 2011 season couldn't have started of any worse for the San Diego Chargers.

They allowed Minnesota Vikings kick returner Percy Harvin to return the opening kick for a 103-yard TD a year after the entire season was doomed due to special teams. To make matters even worse, kicker Nate Kaeding was severely injured on the play as he attempted to save the TD. 

Here is the latest news on the injury:

Injury Update:

Worst-case scenario, Chargers fans.

San Diego head coach Norv Turner confirmed that Keading has torn his ACL and will be out for the remainder of the season.

The injury occurred in his left knee, which is his non-kicking leg.

When Will He Return?

As with almost all ACL injuries, it takes up to a year. Keading is going to be placed on IR and will begin the long road of rehab.

Assuming there aren't any setbacks, Charger fans can expect to see him back in the powder blue at the beginning of next year.

Fantasy Impact:

Pretty simple...cut him ASAP. He has absolutely no value for the remainder of the season and he is a waste of a roster spot.

What They're Saying:

NFL Network reporter Jason La Confora has a great lead as to who will be brought in as Kaeding's replacement in this serious of tweets:

"I'd be surprised if Nick Novak isn't a favorite to replace Nate Kaeding as K in SD. They tried to sign him out of UFL in 2010 and Novak...Is coming off a strong camp pushing Folk for the job with the Jets. Novak lives in San Diego. Makes a lot of sense"

Fans weren't exactly thrilled with what the injury did to their fantasy teams: @Rhunter15: Rlly nate keading. My fantasy kicker is out the season. Ur a kicker. U dnt get hurt. Wat a waste of a pick. #thanksfornotingnate So #Chargers Nate Keading gets knocked over by a rush of air and is out for the season! Gotta love kickers.

LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.