Chargers kicker Kaeding out rest of year

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- San Diego kicker Nate Kaeding, who injured a ligament trying to make a tackle on the first play of the season, is now out for the year, the team said Monday.

Kaeding suffered a torn ACL on the opening kickoff against Minnesota Sunday. The Vikings' Percy Harvin returned that kick 103 yards for a score.

The Chargers, who won the game 24-17, are expected to try out other kickers to take Kaeding's spot.

Mike Scifres filled in for Kaeding Sunday. He kicked a 40-yard field goal and converted three extra points, while handling both punting and kicking duties.

Kaeding, an eight-year veteran, has made 173 of 200 field-goal attempts for the Chargers.