The Chargers are making a change at place kicker.
Nick Novakwas released by San Diego on Saturday, meaning undrafted rookie Josh Lambo will assume kicking duties for the Bolts.
Novak had been a steady performer since joining the Chargers in 2011. He made 74 of 83 (89.2 percent) field-goal attempts in the last three seasons, converting all 115 of his extra-point tries. The issue for Novak was leg strength. He didn't have a touchback after Week 8 last season and finished dead last in touchbacks in 2013. Lambo, a Texas A&M product with a soccer background, possesses superior leg strength and performed well in camp.
Don't be surprised if Novak latches on with another team. Novak showed improved leg strength in the preseason and opened eyes with a 53-yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 22. Accurate, battle-tested kickers typically don't stay out of work long.
In other news, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the Chargers traded offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles to the Minnesota Vikings. In exchange, the Chargers received the Vikings' sixth-round selection in the 2016 draft.
