San Diego ? The San Diego Chargers say 35-year-old left offensive tackle Tra Thomas has retired, leaving the team woefully thin at a crucial position.

Redskins place WR on IR

Landover, Md. — The Washington Redskins have placed receiver Mike Furrey on injured reserve because of a concussion, ruling him out for the season.

Bills lose tight end

Pittsford, N.Y. — Bills tight end Derek Schouman will be out three to six weeks because of a knee injury, leaving Buffalo with only two healthy tight ends on its roster.

The extent of Schouman’s injury was announced a day after fellow tight end Shawn Nelson was suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.

Nelson, who is eligible to practice and play in preseason games, addressed the media for the first time Saturday.

“To my team, my family, my church family, the great city of Buffalo, and my fans, I want to apologize,” said Nelson, who did not practice. “It’s nothing bad; nothing illegal that happened. There are rumors that it was dealing with some different types of things that myself is not involved in. I’m a guy of character who works hard.”