Gates Takes Over Hardwick's Spot As Chargers Captain; Sign OL Legursky

SAN DIEGO (CBSLA.com) - After losing veteran Nick Hardwick to a season-ending neck injury on Monday against the Arizona Cardinals, tight end Antonio Gates will take over his role as captain.

The future Hall of Famer will join Philip Rivers, Donald Butler and Eric Weddle as the captains for the Bolts.

"Any time you become a captain in this league it's an absolute honor," Gates told Chargers.com.  "It's weird and ironic because I've never not seen myself as a captain.  This is one of those things where Nick and Philip are more vocal and do more speaking in front of the team.  To me, my leadership comes from what I do, how I do it and how I go about being a pro.   So it's a tricky deal because I've always been a part of whatever decisions Philip and Nick made.  So it's really a change in title only."

Gates started off on the right track against Arizona, racking in a game team high of 81 yards in 6 receptions.

With Hardwick's injury, the Bolts signed offensive lineman Doug Legursky.

Staning at 6'1, 315 pounds, Legursky,28, has six seasons under his belt - five in Pittsburgh and one in Buffalo.

The Chargers face the reigning Super Bowl champs Seattle Seahawks Sunday in San Diego