SAN DIEGO -- Quarterback Erik Kramer's season is over, and the San Diego Chargers' medical staff has advised the 11-year veteran to retire.
Kramer was put on injured reserve Tuesday because of a neck injury. The move "really came down to the doctor advising him not to play football anymore," general manager Bobby Beathard said.Kramer already had been benched after melting down in a rash of turnovers at the beginning of the Chargers' current five-game losing streak.
Beathard wasn't sure if Kramer was going to seek a second opinion, perhaps from a doctor who treated him during his years with the Chicago Bears. Kramer was released unexpectedly by the Bears in July, and signed with the Chargers two days later.
Players were off Tuesday, and Kramer wasn't immediately available for comment. His agent didn't immediately return a phone call.
"He seemed a little disappointed it turned out this way, but he seemed to accept it," Beathard said.
The Chargers described Kramer's problem as nerve root irritation in his neck. After experiencing spasms Friday morning, Kramer was hospitalized until Monday, missing Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears.
Kramer had neck problems before, but the Chargers didn't think they were related to this problem.
"We were surprised," Beathard said. "We didn't have an inkling. He had one of his best days of practice just this last week. He was able to throw the ball without a problem."
Kramer and Jim Harbaugh were brought in to provide veteran leadership after Ryan Leaf's disastrous rookie season, but the Chargers' offense has been one of the NFL's worst.
Kramer's turnover binge began when he threw four interceptions in the second half against Seattle on Oct. 17, but he managed to lead the Chargers on drives capped by John Carney's tying and winning field goals.
The Chargers haven't won since. Counting the four interceptions against Seattle, Kramer threw eight interceptions and lost a fumble in the span of six quarters and was benched in favor of Harbaugh.
Kramer threw for two touchdowns and 10 interceptions in six games. His 46.6 passer rating is the lowest in the AFC.