Starting San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te’o is expected to miss ‘substantial time’ with a foot fracture that he suffered against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
According to Michael Gehlken of The San Diego Union-Tribune, Te’o will not be placed on injured reserve, but will likely be out for multiple weeks.
It’s yet another injury for the young linebacker, who also missed the first three games of his rookie campaign last season.
Te’o is among the most underrated linebackers in the NFL and leads the Chargers with 19 tackles on the season. He also boasts a +1.9 overall grade according to official Pro Football Focus metrics.
Known mostly for Heisman-caliber play during his senior season at Notre Dame and an off-field scandal leading up to the 2013 NFL draft, Te’o recorded 73 tackles and four passes defended last season.
Veteran Kavell Conner, who started 36 games in four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts from 2010-2012, is expected to start while Te’o is sidelined.
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