SAN DIEGO (Aug. 28, 2006) -- A.J. Feeley was waived by the San Diego Chargers, whose remaining three quarterbacks have zero career NFL starts.
The Chargers also released two draft picks and learned they'll be without left tackle Roman Oben for the season's first six weeks. As it is, the Chargers are currently down to fourth-string left tackle Cory Lekkerkerker as they break in first-year starting quarterback Philip Rivers.
Feeley had been second on the depth chart behind Rivers, but was outplayed in training camp by rookie Charlie Whitehurst.
"That's why we took the guy in the third round," general manager A.J. Smith said. "He's pretty talented. We gave him an opportunity and they had quite a battle.
"It's kind of more about Charlie Whitehurst than it is about A.J.," Smith added. "Charlie had a solid camp and he's getting better every day. He's had a fast development. This gives A.J. an opportunity to make a mad dash and see if he can get a job."
Feeley was obtained along with a sixth-round draft pick for quarterback Cleo Lemon on Oct. 18. As the Chargers' third quarterback, he never took a snap. Feeley previously played for Philadelphia and Miami, starting 13 of 18 games.
Rivers, a third-year pro, is due to make his first NFL start on Sept. 11 at Oakland. Next on the depth chart are Whitehurst, a former star at Clemson, and undrafted rookie Brett Elliott, a former backup to Alex Smith at Utah who finished his college career at Division III Linfield College.
Oben was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list. He missed the last eight games of 2005 that required two offseason foot operations.
The Chargers also waived kicker Kurt Smith, a sixth-round draft choice, and offensive lineman Jimmy Martin, a seventh-rounder.
