Marcus McNeill's leverage

Marcus McNeill's leverage

Marcus McNeill's leverage might have just gotten a bit better.

Thomas, who played for the Jaguars in 2009, spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him 11th overall out of Florida State in 1998. As Donovan McNabb's primary caretaker, he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2001, 2002 and 2004.

Losing Thomas, who had arthroscopic knee surgery on his right knee Aug. 4, further depletes San Diego's depth at left tackle. Second-year man Brandyn Dombrowski, who's never played left tackle in the NFL, continues to line up with the first team. Fellow sophomore Tyronne Green, who's never started in the NFL, has also gotten work protecting QB Philip Rivers' blind side in practice.

Tra Thomas, a Pro Bowl left tackle three times during his 12-year NFL career, retired Saturday. The Chargers added Thomas in June amid a holdout from McNeill, who has yet to sign his tender offer as a restricted free agent.