Los Angeles Chargers swap out rookie linemen Gouger, DeBoer

Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Former Vanderbilt center Barrett Gouger has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Los Angeles announced the contract on Friday. The Chargers also waived/injured center Dillon DeBoer.

Gouger is listed at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. He started 13 games for the Commodores last season after switching from guard to center. Ralph Webb became Vanderbilt's all-time leading rusher behind an offensive line anchored by Gouger. He played 12 games at right guard in 2015 and was a reserve offensive lineman in 12 games in 2014 and in 10 games in 2013.

Los Angeles currently has Spencer Pulley and Max Tuerk at center. The Chargers lost rookie right guard Forrest Lamp for the season on Wednesday to a torn ACL. Lamp, 23, was a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

"I talked to Forrest, and he was very disappointed," Chargers coach Anthony Lynn told reporters Wednesday, according to the team website. "We're going to miss him. He was really getting better each day. It's unfortunate, but like I've told him, things happen for a reason. He's going to get some time off, so make sure he makes the most of it. But he'll still be in it. He's going to be around, and be in it mentally. He'll remain an important part of the team."

The Chargers also picked up Pulley as an undrafted free agent last season. The second-year lineman attended Vanderbilt with Gouger. The Commodores scored on 43 of their 46 offensive possessions inside the 20-yard line last season.

"Proud to be joining the Los Angeles Chargers organization...let's get it #BoltUp," Gouger tweeted.

Los Angeles had the No. 8 passing offense in the NFL last season in terms of yards per game (262.4). The Chargers ranked No. 13 in sacks allowed (36) and No. 26 in rushing.

Gouger worked out with the Chargers Thursday in Costa Mesa, Calif.