Chargers on fifth long snapper

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SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers are on their fifth long snapper of the season.

The Chargers signed rookie Mike Windt and released Ethan Albright on Wednesday, three days after having two punts blocked in a 35-27 loss at Oakland. One blocked punt bounced through the end zone for a safety and the other was returned for a touchdown, helping Oakland to a quick 12-0 lead.

Windt went to training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals and was released in late August.

Albright snapped in the last two games for the Chargers (2-3), who have also allowed two kickoff returns for touchdowns and one punt return for a TD.

San Diego's long snapper woes started when 17-year veteran David Binn went on injured reserve following the season opener. James Dearth and Ryan Neill soon joined Binn on IR.

Windt said he's not concerned about stepping into the job as a rookie.

"Nah. I'm fine," Windt said. "They wouldn't have given me the job if they had any concerns."

Coach Norv Turner said Albright "is a good snapper. He's got some limitations in coverage and there's a young guy available that we think can help in our protections and help us in our coverage."

Turner said Windt snapped well in a tryout and the Chargers evaluated his snaps from his exhibition games with the Bengals.

"Every guy at some point has to do it for the first time," Turner said. "And yeah, you are anxious. But he's a talented guy that I think will be good for us this week and long-term."

Windt didn't watch Sunday's debacle in Oakland.

"I heard about it," he said. "I was busy golfing, I think. We finally had some nice weather in Cincinnati so I took advantage of it.

"I heard that they were having some issues all year, but it's a shame what happened last week," he said. "I really haven't looked at it in depth so I really can't comment on it. You can tell they've been having issues. Let's just hope I fix it."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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