San Diego, CA -- (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers placed tight end Aaron Shea on injured reserve Tuesday because of a back injury.

Shea, who was signed to a three-year contract in the offseason to backup starter Antonio Gates, will miss the remainder of the season. Shea did not have a reception this season.

To fill the vacant roster spot, the Chargers signed safety Andre Lott to the active roster. Lott returns after being released on the team's final cut to reach the 53-man roster limit. He is in his fourth NFL season out of the University of Tennessee.

The team also released quarterback Brett Elliott from the practice squad. Tight end Kelly Griffeth, a rookie out of Fort Hays State in Kansas, has replaced Elliott on the practice squad. Like Lott, Griffeth also was released by the Chargers on the final cut.