The Los Angeles Chargers entered Sunday’s preseason opener hoping to remain healthy. More than putting on a show for fans in their new city, this had to be the team’s ultimate goal. Here’s a squad that was dealt a plethora of injury-related blows last season. And thus far this summer, it hasn’t gone much better.
Remember, rookie top-10 pick Mike Williams remains sidelined with a knee injury (more on that here).
Now, it looks like starting middle linebacker Denzel Perryman could be lost for a significant amount of time.
The third-year pro from Miami (F) was carted off the field in the first quarter against Seattle with what appeared to be a non-contact leg injury. Los Angeles initially indicated that Perryman suffered an ankle injury and was questionable to return.
Though, Perryman himself could be seen mouthing something to the tune that it popped to the trainer while he was being carted off.
Starting MIKE LB Denzel Perryman (set to call plays for D this yr) carted off, injuring left leg. Appears to tell trainer he heard it "pop". pic.twitter.com/smNCgcC0aW
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 14, 2017
The former second-round pick is expected to be Los Angeles’ starting middle linebacker after recording 71 tackles, two sacks, two passes defended and an interception last season. As the team’s MIKE linebacker, he was also expected to be the play-caller.
It remains to be seen how serious this injury is, but it most definitely didn’t look too good.