San Diego Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, according to a league source.

Kaeding suffered the injury in the first quarter of Chargers' 24-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in their season opener on Sunday. Kaeding carted off the field with the Vikings leading 7-0 at the time.

Punter Mike Scifres filled in for Kaeding as the Chargers rallied from down 17-7 to claim the victory.
If Kaeding is indeed lost for the year, it puts the Chargers in the market for a new place-kicker immediately, even though Scifres connected on a 40-yard field goal Sunday and hit all his extra point tries.

The question is, do the Chargers go with a young unproven kicker that might possess a strong leg or add a veteran who might be more reliable, but may sacrifice something in range.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com